E23: Decades in the White Coat-What It Takes to Last in Medicine(w/Dr Robert Wittler)

In this conversation, Dr. Robert R. Wittler shares with host Dr Saba Fatima his insights on the joys and challenges of practicing medicine, reflecting on his experiences as a pediatric infectious disease physician. He discusses the importance of teaching, the evolving landscape of medicine, and the impact of burnout. Dr. Wittler emphasizes the significance of building relationships with patients, navigating the complexities of electronic medical records, and the ongoing issue of vaccine skepticism. He offers advice for younger physicians and expresses hope for the future of medicine, highlighting the importance of resilience and connection in the medical field.

Dr. Robert Wittler is a Professor of Pediatrics and Infectious Disease at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, Wichita. Dr. Wittler brings a remarkable depth of experience, not only as a physician, but as a leader, teacher, and mentor. He served in the US Army for 13 years, completing his pediatric residency at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco, followed by a fellowship in pediatric infectious disease at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, and a research fellowship at Walter Reed Army Research Institute in Washington, DC.

Since 1995, Dr. Wittler has been on faculty at KU School of Medicine, Wichita as the only pediatric infectious disease physician in Kansas. He's published widely in peer-reviewed journals and is a beloved educator, honored with numerous teaching awards, including the Chancellor's Distinguished Teaching Award and the Ruth Bohan Teaching Professorship. .He brings both the wisdom of experience and a thoughtful curiosity about where we've been and where we're headed.


takeaways
Joy in medicine comes from teaching and patient interactions.
Thriving means enjoying work and feeling energized by it.
The amount of information in medicine has increased significantly.
Electronic medical records can create more work for physicians.
Burnout can stem from a focus on financial metrics over teaching.
Asking for help is crucial for physicians facing challenges.
Building relationships with patients is essential for effective care.
Vaccine skepticism has increased, especially post-COVID.
Success in medicine evolves from diagnosis to patient impact.


Chapters
00:00
Introduction to the Challenges in Medicine
04:12
Defining Thriving in a Medical Career
07:10
Experiencing Burnout and Disconnection
11:54
Comparing Past and Present Residency Experiences
15:52
Reflections on Duty Hours and Work-Life Balance
17:56
The Role of Electronic Medical Records
19:04
Balancing Relational and Transactional Medicine
20:30
Time Management and Patient Interaction
22:17
Staying Grounded in a Medical Career
23:59
Evolving Definitions of Success in Medicine
24:52
The Importance of Academic Progression
25:06
Navigating Mistrust in Medicine
31:02
The Balance of Physician Wellness and Efficiency
32:00
Advice for Overwhelmed Physicians
33:04
Wisdom from 'The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Hound'
35:16
Life-Changing Moments in Medicine
36:40
Improving Physician-Administration Relationships
38:28
Reflections on Career and Commitment
41:08
Hope for the Future of Medicine
44:26
The Strength in Stru

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

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