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.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

In this conversation, Dr. Gregory R, Johnson shares with host Dr Saba Fatima, his journey from clinician to healthcare executive, emphasizing the importance of joy in medicine and the need for physician engagement. He discusses the challenges of balancing provider wellness with productivity goals, the financial pressures in healthcare, and the significance of metrics that align with patient care. Dr. Johnson advocates for scalable interventions to enhance physician involvement and stresses the importance of creating a culture of wellness within healthcare organizations. He concludes with advice for burnt-out physicians and institutions striving to improve the healthcare system.

Dr. Gregory R. Johnson is a distinguished medical professional known for his exceptional leadership in the healthcare industry. Dr. Johnson has significantly advanced medical practices, education, and health equity throughout his extensive career. Dr. Johnson currently serves as the System Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at UnityPoint Health, where he oversees the clinical enterprise for 17 acute care hospitals and
19 rural affiliates. His efforts in restructuring service lines and standardizing clinical practices have optimized care delivery and outcomes.
Previously, Dr. Johnson was the Chief Executive Officer – Hospital Medicine and Chief Health Equity and Diversity Officer at Sound Physicians, where he managed over 200 clinical practices and almost 4000 physicians, advanced practitioners and nurses across 45 states. His initiatives in reducing health disparities and maintaining top quartile outcomes for length of stay, readmissions, and mortality were pivotal. Dr. Johnson's academic contributions are substantial.

He has served as Clinical Faculty at the McGovern School of Medicine and Texas Tech University Health Science Center. His leadership extends to professional organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, and the National Association of Health Service Executives.
Throughout his career, Dr. Johnson has been honored with numerous accolades. He was recently recognized as one of the "Chief Medical Officers to Know" by Becker’s Healthcare, and in 2023, he was named a "Black Healthcare Executive to Know."
His commitment to excellence is further evidenced by awards such as the Atlas Award from Sound Physicians and a healthcare awardee by the National Black MBA Association. Dr. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Anthropology from Dartmouth College and a Doctor of Medicine degree from the McGovern School of Medicine. He completed a
Combined Internal Medicine/Family Practice Residency at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans where he also served as chief resident. Additionally, he earned a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership Certificate from Northwestern University.
Dr. Johnson's extensive experience and unwavering dedication to improving healthcare quality and equity make him a leading figure in the medical community, inspiring and advancing the field of medicine.

keywords
#healthcare, #physicianwellness, #burnout, healthcare #leadership, #patientcare, healthcare #metrics, healthcare advocacy, #healthequity , healthcare system, #physician engagement #productivity

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.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com

n this episode of Muted in Medicine, host Saba Fatima engages with Dr. Ali Rafiq, an international medical graduate (IMG), to discuss the unique challenges faced by IMGs in the healthcare system. They explore Ali's personal journey from medical school in Pakistan to becoming a hospitalist in the U.S., highlighting the cultural adjustments, professional hurdles, and the emotional toll of being an IMG. The conversation delves into the residency match process, strategies for increasing chances of matching, common mistakes made by IMGs, and the importance of support systems and networking. The episode concludes with reflections on resilience, persistence, and the ongoing journey of IMGs in the medical field.


Dr. Ali Rafiq currently works as hospitalist in Wichita KS. Within his organization, he has completed a one-year Emerging Leaders program. During residency, he received multiple awards for his professionalism and research. He has thus far volunteered participation in the Kansas Mortality Review Team, Ethics Integration Committee, Safety Event Review Team, and the Hospitalist peer review committee at his current hospital. He serves as the preceptor for the newly established Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Additionally, he has completed a three-year guided fellowship program, being elected as a Fellow for the American College of Physicians. He has also served in leadership positions for the Society of Hospital Medicine’s Kansas Chapter and is the current President of the same. His efforts helped SHM’s Kansas Chapter achieve the Platinum Excellence Chapter three years in a row. For his efforts, he was recognized for the Most Engaged Chapter Leader Award in the nation for SHM. Last year, he was elected as Fellow of Hospital Medicine for his efforts in the field. He currently serves in SHM’s public policy committee. He has consistently represented Kansas on the national stage, including advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill in Washington DC.

Dr. Rafiq has authored and co-authored over two dozen peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed articles. He has over 75 citations of his publications, according to Google scholar.

keywords
International Medical Graduates, #img challenges, #residency #match , cultural adjustment, #impostersyndrome , #healthcareworkers workforce, y

Takeaways:
IMGs face unique challenges in the healthcare system.
Cultural adjustment is a significant hurdle for IMGs.
Networking and interpersonal skills are crucial for IMGs.
Persistence and resilience are key to overcoming obstacles.
The residency match process can be competitive for IMGs.
IMGs often experience imposter syndrome during their training.
Support systems in residency programs can help IMGs adjust.
Personal statements should reflect genuine experiences.
Common mistakes in applications can hinder IMGs' chances.
Cultural sensitivity in residency programs is essential for IMGs.

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.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com