This episode of 'The Patient Physician’ features Virginia Simmons, director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB. Virginia shares her 30-year journey in the GME arena, highlighting the unique structure and success of UTMB’s GME programs. The discussion covers the comprehensive support system for residents, fellows, and their families, emphasizing wellness programs and community involvement. Virginia discusses the balance of maintaining a structured yet caring environment and the importance of personal connections. The podcast also explores the utility of serving others, maintaining personal wellness, and innovative approaches to onboarding new residents and fellows. Gain insights into strategic efforts aimed at recruiting high-quality doctors and the significance of human connections in medical education.

MEET OUR GUEST - VIRGINIA SIMMONS, Administrative Director for Graduate Medical Education at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)

Virginia has served as the administrative director of all aspects of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB for over 30 years. In collaboration with the Associate Dean of GME, Virginia works as a liaison, developing and maintaining communication and relationships with other entities locally and nationally. This includes overseeing the budget, institutional office and personnel, GME credentialing, and accreditation of all programs and house staff. Connect with Virginia via email at vsimmons@utmb.edu.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome

00:08 Spotlight on Virginia Simmons and Her Role in GME

00:57 Exploring the Success of GME Programs

04:01 The Importance of Care Beyond Protocols in GME

05:36 Celebrating Resident and Fellow Appreciation

08:56 Enhancing Onboarding with Orientation and Vendor Expos

13:02 Incorporating Spouses and Families into the GME Community

17:09 Personal Touch and Support in Challenging Times

23:33 A Day in the Life: Juggling Personal and Professional Crises

25:49 The Essence of Being Human in Healthcare

27:32 Going Beyond the Call of Duty: Stories of Leadership and Compassion

30:29 Elevating Training Programs: The Importance of Staying Human

39:06 Innovative Approaches to Supporting Staff and Trainees

42:31 Concluding Thoughts: Staying Competitive by Staying Human

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This podcast episode, recorded at the 2024 ACGME conference in Orlando, Florida, features Dr. Kathryn Hughes, a Pulmonology and Critical Care Fellow for the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The discussion revolves around Dr. Hughes's ACGME presentation on 'leading from the middle,' a concept focused on how resident physicians and fellows can effectively lead and initiate change within their organizations despite needing to be in top executive positions. Dr. Hughes shares her journey from an internal medicine resident to chief resident, highlighting the mentorship she received and how it shaped her confidence in making a difference from a mid-level position. She introduces a practical framework for effective leadership from the middle. Dr. Hughes's insights guide medical professionals to influence positive change in their environments and to contribute meaningfully to medical education and patient care. This discussion underscores the significance of engagement, asking the right questions, and proactively addressing and solving problems to combat burnout and promote a fulfilling medical career.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Opening Remarks at the ACGME Conference

00:26 Introducing Dr. Kathryn Hughes: A Journey to Leadership

02:31 The Framework for Leading from the Middle

03:17 Understanding Organizational Needs: The First Step

09:45 The Power of Asking 'Why?' and Aligning Visions

23:37 Communicating Effectively for Change

24:54 Navigating New Ideas and Leadership Challenges

26:27 Empowering Others Through Delegation and Teamwork

26:54 A Real-World Example of Empowerment and Initiative

29:35 Leadership and Management: Understanding the Balance

31:34 Personal Growth and Mentorship in Leadership

33:56 Engaging and Influencing Across the Organization

38:48 Practical Advice for Implementing Change and Avoiding Burnout

41:43 Looking Ahead: Continuing to Drive Change

44:04 Reflecting on the Patient-Physician

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In this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, we share some of the voices of doctors and medical professionals we met at the recent ACGME annual educational conference in Orlando, FL. Those who weren't afraid to jump on the mic shared what they think to be the future of medicine, what "the patient physician" means to them, and how they're creating meaning in medicine.

For three days, more than 4,400 attendees came together at the largest graduate medical education (GME) gathering in the world to create, innovate, and engage. The conference theme, Meaning in Medicine, underscores the need for sustaining purpose and joy in the work of health care professionals.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to The Patient Physician: A Wellness Journey

00:32 Dr. Tim Laird on the Bright Future of Medicine

01:56 Seema Bajaj on Maternal Mental Health and Trust in Medicine

03:39 John Casey on Finding Meaning in Medicine Through Teaching

06:23 Dr. Amy Matecki's Integrative Approach to Oncology and Wellness

10:05 Louise Tetro and Dr. Wendy Shevar on Personalized Patient Care

11:51 Candyann Humphreys on Wellness Activities for Medical Professionals

13:55 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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On this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, Dr. Lexie Wang shares her inspiring journey from patient to passionate physician. Initially planning a political or legal career before a sudden illness steered her towards medicine, Dr. Wang shares insights into her medical journey, her holistic approach to patient care, and her strong mental health advocacy for both patients and physicians. We discuss the value in developing soft skills and the importance of building trust with patients and maintaining transparency. We also explore some of the current challenges faced by physicians and the importance of clearly documenting patient encounters to protect against malpractice claims, and how AI might streamline the documentation process. Dr. Wang’s dog makes a cameo appearance and opens up a discussion on the power of pets for supporting mental wellness.

MEET OUR GUEST: Lexie Wang, MD

Dr. Lexie Wang is a board-certified surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive procedures of the face and neck region. Dr. Wang was one of two surgeons accepted to train at the highly prestigious American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS) accredited fellowship in Beverly Hills with the world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Paul Nassif (star of "Botched”), Dr. Babak Azizzadeh (founder of the Facial Paralysis Institute and the Center for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery), and Dr. Grace Lee Peng. During her tenure, Dr. Wang treated patients from all over the world, learning the nuances of challenging primary and revision facial aesthetic surgery. Dr. Wang was selected as a Castle Connolly Rising Star for 2023. This recognition puts her among only 7% of all U.S. board-certified physicians!

Born and raised in Fairfax, Virginia, Dr. Wang attended Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology where her passion for medicine developed. She went on to complete her undergraduate education at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in three years, graduating with cum laude honors. After spending a year working in the UCSD Department of Psychiatry, where she studied the physiology of circadian rhythms, she returned to Virginia to attend the University of Virginia School of Medicine.

Following medical school, Dr. Wang entered a highly competitive 5-year Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery residency at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. During this time, she was able to develop an expertise in the complex and intricate anatomy of the head and neck region. In her final year of residency, she served as Chief Resident in her department.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

02:11 Dr. Lexi Wang's Journey into Medicine

06:35 Choosing a Specialty and the Impact of Personal Experience

09:52 The Intersection of Physical Appearance and Mental Health

16:38 The Role of Transparency and Soft Skills in Patient Care

25:23 Experiences from a Fellowship: Hiring, Firing, and Networking

26:07 Behind the Scenes of Building a Skincare Brand

26:40 Learning about Business Finances and Malpractice

30:04 The Importance of Documentation in Medical Practice

35:51 Mental Health Advocacy and the Role of Therapy

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On this episode of The Patient Physician, the multifaceted Donna Lee McBride shares her insights on the challenges facing private practitioners. Donna serves as the Director of Business Development at NAU Urology Specialists, where she plays a pivotal role in the growth and health of the practice. Donna is also the co-host of the Armor Men's Health podcast. Anchored by her roles in marketing, community outreach, and public relations, McBride provides practical advice for physicians contemplating private practice. She emphasizes the importance of marketing and community outreach for the survival and growth of private practices. Donna also highlights the need for physicians to be involved in the business side of their practice, suggesting that residency programs should include marketing and business development training. 

Connect with Our Guest, Donna Lee McBride:

www.armormenshealth.com

https://northaustinurology.com/

0:00 The Patient Physician #4 Featuring Donna Lee McBride

00:07 Introduction and Welcome

00:35 Guest Introduction: Donna Lee McBride

01:00 Donna's Career Journey and Role

02:22 Donna's Funny Patient Physician Story

05:14 The Challenges of Private Practice

07:11 Surviving as a Small Practice

09:25 The Importance of Marketing in Private Practice

21:11 The Armor Men's Health Podcast

27:06 The Importance of Consistent Marketing

27:36 Options for Small Practices

29:26 The Drive Behind Successful Private Practitioners

30:41 The Role of Personality in Private Practice

31:03 The Importance of Seeking Help and Understanding Your Strengths

31:39 Finding the Right Resources and Support

32:46 The Growth and Evolution of a Private Practice

33:16 Maintaining Staff Morale and Engagement

33:38 The Power of Small Acts in Employee Retention

35:10 Balancing Professional Life with Personal Passions

35:31 The Role of Comedy and Charity in Personal Growth

38:17 The Journey into Stand-Up Comedy

41:17 The Challenges and Rewards of Expanding a Practice

42:53 The Importance of Transparency in Practice Management

46:13 The Importance of Regular Meetings in Practice Management

52:20 The Challenges of Hiring in a Growing Practice

53:54 The Meaning of "Patient Physician"

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On this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, we explore the fantastic changes in vascular surgery over the past 30 years with Dr. Alan Dietzek. We also discuss artificial intelligence and how AI might affect medical training and the future of medicine. We explore the quantity-over-quality dynamic resulting from venture capital's involvement in healthcare practices and how that changes medicine for doctors and patients. Dr. Dietzek shares the importance of laughter and comedy in his daily practice and the idea of a Physician's Health Day so doctors can walk the walk and stay on top of their personal wellness.

MEET OUR GUEST: Alan Dietzek, MD, FACS

Doctor Alan Dietzek has been in practice for 25 years, and has been the Section Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery since his arrival at Danbury Hospital (DH) in 2000. He is also the Medical Director of the DH Non-Invasive Vascular Laboratory which under his direction has achieved national accreditation in all 6 areas of testing, one of less than 25 labs in the United States to do so. Prior to coming to DH, Dr Dietzek was at North Shore University Hospital for ten years.

Dr. Dietzek has contributed many peer reviewed articles and chapters to the literature and has spent his entire career teaching medical students, residents and fellows in vascular surgery. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on a variety of topics including venous disease. In 2013 Dr Dietzek was promoted to the highest clinical academic rank of Clinical Professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont College of Medicine. For his many contributions to vascular surgery he was elected to the status of Distinguished Fellow of the Society for Vascular Surgery, the preeminent vascular society in the world.

Doctor Dietzek has had a particular interest in venous disease and is one of the first physicians in the United States to use radiofrequency (RF) for the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. He is and has been the principle institutional investigator on several national trials including one on the use of RF for venous disease and another on interventions for DVT management.

A graduate of the State University of New York at Albany, Dr. Dietzek went on to receive a medical degree from Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine. He did his surgical residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and went on to his vascular fellowship at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine under the tutelage of Frank J Veith.

Doctor Dietzek has held leadership positions in local, regional and national vascular societies. He is the past president (2017-2018) of the second largest national vascular society in the US – the Society for Clinical Vascular Surgery, past president (2015-2017) of the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission’s Vein Center division, current Treasurer of the Eastern Vascular Society and the Chair of the American Board of Vascular Surgery. He is board certified in vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

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On this episode of The Patient Physician podcast, we get a behind-the-scenes look at Graduate Medical Education with Dr. Thomas Blackwell, the Associate Dean for GME and Professor of General Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch. We discuss choosing a specialty path that plays to your natural strengths and interests, and Dr. Blackwell shares success stories and cautionary tales for residents. We explore changes occurring in medicine to improve residents’ wellness. And ways the digital revolution in the medical industry has transformed how residents are taught, and medicine is practiced. Dr. Blackwell shares his perspective on managing through disasters and the importance of ushering in an era of healthier doctors and patients.

MEET OUR GUEST: Thomas Blackwell, MD

Dr. Thomas Blackwell received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch, and completed his residency at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.  Dr. Blackwell is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine.  His special interests are student and residency education.

Dr. Blackwell is the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education and Professor of General Internal Medicine at the University of Texas Medical Branch.  In addition to a busy private practice, he has major administrative and teaching duties at UTMB.  As the Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education, he has administrative oversight of 50+ residencies and approximately 590 residents / fellows in training.  Previously, he was the Director for the Division of General Internal Medicine and the Medical Director for the Harborside Medical Group.  Also, he was the Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency training program for 19 years.

At a national level, Dr. Blackwell has been selected for a 6-year appointment as a member of the ACGME Accreditation Appeals Panel for Internal Medicine.  He is the past chair of the Internal Medicine Residency Review Committee, which regulates all training in Internal Medicine and its subspecialties.  He was a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Internal Medicine from 2004 - 2008.

Also, Dr. Thomas Blackwell has been listed in Super Doctors® for ten consecutive years.

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We kick off The Patient Physician podcast with a conversation on the history of physician well-being and the evolution of wellness initiatives to assist residents and medical students as they seek work-life balance through their schooling and into their careers with Glenda Mutinda, Ph.D., who serves as the Director of Interprofessional Well-Being at JPS Health Network. Dr. Mutinda believes the more we don't talk about things, the longer they fester and cause damage on many levels - personal health and relationships, our patient care, and, ultimately, our communities. We hope you'll join us for the tough - and insightful - conversations on The Patient Physician.

Glenda Mutinda, PhD, serves as the Director of Interprofessional Well-being at JPS Health Network. Dr. Mutinda received two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Iowa in Psychology and African American Studies, a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and holds a doctoral degree in Medical Family Therapy from East Caroline University. She also completed advanced fellowship training in integrated behavioral medicine and residency education at Saint Mary’s Family Medicine Residency Program. Her current position at JPS allows her direct access to the residents/fellows, and oversight of all well-being initiatives. She holds an integral position in the organization’s overarching Caring for the Caregiver task force. 

Connect with Dr. Mutinda: gmutinda@jpshealth.org

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