Pub. 3 2019 Issue 1

UAFP for seven years. A mentor of mine, Dr. Flinders, sug- gested that I might enjoy becoming involved with the na- tional Congress as a delegate. He was right, and for the next six years, I was heavily involved and loved it. Jennifer Dailey- Provost convinced me to look towards board membership, and here I am. I’ve moved through the chairs and it’s been a very rewarding experience. In looking back at this year, what stands out for you? Are there any accomplish- ments that you are especially proud of? This year was a really big transition year for our associa- tion. Right before a very busy time, we brought on a new executive director (Maryann Martindale) and a new pro- gram director (Barbara Muńoz) — and I’m going to say this here, we were very lucky in finding the right people. Both Maryann and Barbara dove right in and the results have been impressive. So what am I proud of? Well, nothing fell apart! I think that I am leaving the association in great hands. I believe that we are moving forward and we will grow. I am very proud of what we have done in the past, and what we have the potential to accomplish in the future. There are many stressors for health- care providers, specifically physicians. What do you do to keep a healthy per- spective and to maintain balance? I think the big thing is to remember that you are a person before you are a doctor. It’s like parenting, really; before you were a parent, you were a person. And people — all people, including physicians — need certain things, like hobbies and interests outside of work, vacations, and time with family and friends. I also tell others in the medical field, including myself, that every once in a while it’s helpful to return our thoughts to why we are in this field. I think the answer, for the most part, is that we want to help people and we want to make a differ- ence in people’s lives, and to do that, we need to be present and be with the patient in the moment, and let the outside stuff disappear. I believe that being centered and grounded is a skill worth developing. It’s really easy to pick up the stress and anxiety of others and make it your own — especially when we’re seeing patients all day. There’s a new AAPF CME course that specifically addresses physician burnout. I had a colleague sign up, and for him, it was life-changing. The tools he learned improved his life, his practice, and his relationships with his patients — he was able to enjoy his practice again, and his life. I think a really big realization is this: working harder won’t make it better. When we, as physicians, feel stressed and anxious, it’s time to refocus and take care of ourselves, so we can take great care of our patients. Are you involved in any civic or chari- table organizations? Yes. I am a big supporter of Planned Parenthood. In my life I have written only one “Letter to the Editor” for my local paper, and it was an opinion piece defending this organiza- tion. Along with patient care, it provides a training site for comprehensive women’s health to family medicine and OB/ GYN residents around the country. I personally believe that 99 percent of what they do, we need more of. Planned Par- enthood is women and family centric in their services, and in today’s climate, I think their services are valuable. I am also a big supporter of the Humane Society and Best Friends Animal Sanctuary. If you look at your career and life, what would be three things you have learned that you would pass onto a student choosing their specialty? First, choose the area of specialty that you truly love, not the one that will pay off your student debt the fastest. I think do- ing what you love is paramount to a long and successful ca- reer. Medicine is demanding and we all spend a lot of time at work so make it something that brings you happiness and joy. Second, take care of yourself. Sleep. Make sure you get a lot of sleep. Good decisions are made when you are well rested. And finally, never stop learning. Medicine, more than any industry, I think, moves at lightning speed. A lot of what we were learning or what was being advocated even five years ago in the medical field is now outdated. The only way to keep up with Dr. Google is to stay educated. If you could describe the best day in your practice, what would it look like? My best day would be about time. Extra time. I would spend my morning seeing patients — with plenty of time to chart. Maybe a walk duringmy lunch break. And then, either seeingmore patients or teaching. I would finish on time, go home while it’s still light and actually be home, without charting or making notes. I would also cook something yummy to eat—that would be a luxury! Tell us about your family. It’s justme andmy two Australian Shepherds, Jemma and Jasper. What is your favorite way to spend your free time? Any unusual hobbies? I spend a lot of time walking my dogs. I like to read nonmedi- cal books — mostly exciting adventure/spy stories; I love to cook, and travel to visit friends. I am lucky that I have a lot friends all over the country with extra guest rooms! 13 |