Transformational Times, October 23, 2020

Transformational Times

Words of Hope, Character & Resilience from our Virtual Community

Friday, October 23, 2020

In this Issue:

Director's Corner

Adina Kalet, MD, MPH: What to do When it's Your Turn - and it's Always your Turn

Perspectives/Opinions

Eileen Peterson: Women in Academic Surgery
Kristi Castello: Exploring Diversity and Inclusion with the Council for Women’s Advocacy
Kate Stark: MCW’s American Medical Women’s Association Chapter Focuses on the Intersectionality Between Race and Gender
Adrienne German: Kaleidoscope is Partnering with the Milwaukee Bucks to Offer a Virtual Session

Take 3

Julie Freischlag, MD: Incoming President-Elect, American College of Surgeons
Amy Farkas, MD, MS, and Cecilia Scholcoff, MD, MPH: Department of Medicine, Women Resident's Book Club

Poetry Corner

Mary Sellars: Embrace. It is time.

Your Turn

See how readers answered last week's prompt: What's your favorite Wisconsin place to take in the peak Autumn colors?
Respond to this week's prompt: What's your favorite Halloween costume?
Respond to this week's character question: How do you practice humility?

Announcements & Resources

Register for the Kern Institute's Upcoming Virtual Events
Kern National Network Connections Newsletter - October 2020

Suggest an Article Idea

Send a Letter to the Editor

T.Times Blog

Past Issues

Director's Corner

What to do When it's Your Turn - and it's Always Your Turn

by Adina Kalet, MD, MPH

This week, Dr. Kalet celebrates our focus on women in medicine by reflecting on what it has meant to be an underrepresented “minority” in medicine and what to do when it is your turn ...

"Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception."

-Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other!”

-Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright

One of my favorite things to do at MCW is study the class pictures lining the hallways on the ground floor of the medical school building. From the earliest days of the 20th Century, MCW and its predecessor institutions created photographs of graduating classes – not surprisingly, all white men for decades – year after year – generation after generation. Starting about a quarter of the way along the length of the hallway, a few clusters of white women begin to appear, often wearing the habits of religious orders. Further down the hall, the first Black face, a man, in sea of white male faces with a smattering of white women. Eventually there are Black female faces. And so it goes, making starkly obvious that acceptance for women and people of color into the ranks of physicians is a very recent, evolving, and slow phenomenon.

Interview

Women in Academic Surgery

by Eileen Peterson, Transformational Times Associate Editor

Surgery has historically been a male-dominated specialty, and the rewards and challenges facing women in general surgery were addressed in a recent article in Academic Medicine. Associate Editor and MCW medical student Eileen Peterson spoke to the authors and an MCW surgeon to learn more …

In the October, 2020 issue of Academic Medicine, Dr. Rachel Greenup and Dr. Susan Pitt wrote about the challenges women face in academic surgery in their article, “Women in Surgery: A Double-Edged Scalpel.” As a medical student, it is eye-opening for me to take a step back from studying enzymes and drug mechanisms to consider the difficulties that might arise in my near future. That was certainly the case with this article, a quick and important read for anyone who is interested in surgery, is currently a surgeon, or who cares about female surgeons.

In their commentary, Drs. Greenup and Pitt discussed challenges that many female surgeons face; this can include underrepresentation, mistreatment, social norms, and structural biases within surgical culture. They also discuss a call to action, which has arisen in part from social media movements such as #ILookLikeASurgeon and #NYerORCoverChallenge.

Perspective

Exploring Diversity and Inclusion with the Council for Women’s Advocacy

by Kristi Castello, MCW Division of Hematology and Oncology

Ms. Castello reflects on how the MCW Council for Women’s Advocacy will intentionally focus on the intersectionality of diversity and inclusion efforts and women’s issues in the coming year …

At the risk of dating myself, my elementary school classmates and I were always excited when we could play “Current Events” on Friday afternoons. This was an opportunity to divide into teams and earn points for correctly answering questions about recent national or international events. Whether it was the competitive nature of the event or because it was an opportunity to do something different from the more mundane tasks of the week, everyone looked forward to this friendly competition which could get quite obnoxious at times!

For the last six months, the conversations around the dinner table with my husband and daughters have felt like endless rounds of elementary school Current Events. There has been no shortage of topics to engage and debate. We’ve discussed COVID-19, the pandemic, the financial crisis, virtual school and work, the politicization of masking, George Floyd, Jacob Blake, the election, the life and death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, racial discrimination, and so forth. We have explored together how these issues interrelate and how we might respond.

It is through this lens that the Council for Women’s Advocacy is approaching its work for the academic year 2020-2021.

Perspective

MCW’s American Medical Women’s Association Chapter Focuses on the Intersectionality Between Race and Gender

by Kate Stark, Current AMWA Co-President, M2 Medical Student – MCW Milwaukee

Ms. Stark reflects on how the MCW American Medical Women's Association will explore the intersectionality of race and gender through virtual programming this year …

The Medical College of Wisconsin chapter of the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) has been around as a student organization for a number of years, with programming aimed to support and uplift women medical students since its inception. This year, however, working to achieve that goal has demanded a fresh perspective, not only due to the pandemic, but also due to a lack of programming that acknowledges the intersectionality between race and gender.

Addressing both of these shortcomings has culminated in events such as a virtual “luncheon” that allowed women physicians and students time to network and establish mentorship, as well as a collaborative event (taking place just this past Monday!) with another student organization – the Student Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) – where UCSF’s Dr. Odi Ehie shared her exceptional work on how to identify and address microaggressions in the medical environment.

Kaleidoscope Preview

Kaleidoscope is Partnering with the Milwaukee Bucks to Offer a Virtual Session

by Adrienne German, MCW Office of Academic Affairs

Confronting Racial Injustice: The Change Begins with You

with Arvind Gopalratnam, Vice President, Corporate Social Responsibility and Kareeda Chones-Aguam, Vice President, Partner Strategy and Management, Milwaukee Bucks

Thursday, October 29, 2020

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT

Kaleidoscope is back! After an eight-month COVID-induced hiatus, this first program back looks to be terrific. While Kaleidoscope events have typically used film as a mechanism to explore diversity, the virtual world allows for new ways to connect and reach a broader audience across all schools and campuses.

Julie Freischlag, MD, FACS, FRCSEd (Hon), DFSVS, former MCW Faculty Member

Over the course of her career, Dr. Freischlag has broken new ground by serving as Chief of the Zablocki VAMC Surgical Service, Chief of Vascular Surgery at UCLA, Chair of Surgery at Johns Hopkins, Vice Chancellor for Human Health Sciences and Dean of the School of Medicine at UC Davis, and CEO of Wake Forest Baptist Health and Dean of Wake Forest School of Medicine in Wake Forest, NC.

She serves on the Executive Board of the Association of Academic Health Centers, the Council of Deans of the Association for American Medical Colleges, the Aga Khan University Board of Trustees, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Advisory Board, the University of Illinois Health Advisory Board, and the American Hospital Association Changing Workforce Task Force. She is the 2020–2021 President-Elect of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and will be installed as ACS President in October 2021.

Despite her administrative responsibilities, she still spends time in clinic and the OR, offering her expertise in the surgical management of thoracic outlet syndrome. She is also an attentive wife, mother, stepparent, and friend. She took time from her schedule to talk about mentoring, resiliency, and work-life balance.

Bruce Campbell, MD, Editor of the Transformational Times, had the chance to speak with her this week and posed these three questions…

You have a reputation as an engaged and positive mentor for both men and women in medicine. How do you approach your role as a mentor for women who are contemplating demanding specialty careers?
What are the opportunities for creating learning environments for students and residents that will propel learners successfully into their careers? How can we help students and trainees see the value of self-care over the long haul?
You have worked as a faculty member, department chair, dean, provost, and medical system CEO while maintaining your surgical career and raising a family. What do you tell others who are considering leadership trajectories about handling multiple roles?

Read her Responses Here

Amy Farkas, MD, MS, and Cecilia Scholcoff, MD, MPH

Drs. Farkas and Scholcoff started a book club for women residents in the MCW Department of Medicine. Kathlyn Fletcher, MD, co-editor of the Transformational Times, had the chance to speak with them this week and posed these three questions…

How did you decide to start a book club aimed at women residents?
How has the book club led to mentoring relationships?
Tell us about one of the books you read and the discussion that ensued.

Read their Responses Here

This week we’re sharing a poem submitted by Dr. Sandra Pfister that was written by her daughter, Mary, after Sandra’s mom and Mary’s grandmother passed away in 2008. In submitting this poem Sandra shares: “My mom would have turned 101 on November 25. She was born after the 1918 flu but I am sure she knew of those who suffered and lost loved ones. While I lost my Mom over 12 years ago, I know she would have much to say to me about what we are all experiencing with Covid-19. I mention her because I miss her every day and one thing I spend time thinking about is how families and friends cope with lives lost from this virus. I especially think of my how my colleagues cope as they also suffer through the loss of their patients, no matter the cause.

I am not a poet but I can say that my daughter is. Mary is now 24 years old and I want to share the poem she wrote in 2008 for the prayer card given out at my Mom's memorial."

Embrace. It is Time.

by Mary Sellars

The quiet blooming of a tulip

The flowing death of sunshine rays

It is time

The melancholy calls of the tall golden gates

and celestial key

It is time

I am not the person to hold on

It is autumn's falling leaves

Embrace your reflection in the mirror

Roaring past all your tales

Embrace

It is time

For this to end

Let it come like winter blooms

It is time

Embrace

It is time

Know someone who writes poetry? Write poems yourself?

Have a favorite poem you’d like to share? Send your submissions to odavies@mcw.edu and slamm@mcw.edu

Elm Grove Park with my dog, pictured here!

–Haley Bodette, Medical Student

Seeing the colors change from the CFAC with a view of MKE in the background

–Mogen Frenkel, Medical Student

The roads that lead up to Holy Hill have the most breathtaking views!

-Anonymous, Staff

South Shore Drive between Linn Pier Road and Fontana in Walworth County. This road, which passes by the old Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, is like driving through a tunnel -- bright and beautiful fall color for a good mile or so. While it's been several years since I've been on this road, my mind goes back there each year when autumn rolls around.

-Anonymous, Staff

Rib Mountain State Park in Wausau

–Heather Roth, Staff

Gilbraltar Rock State Natural Area in Lodi

–Laura Grogan, Medical Student

Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo

–Julia Schmitt, Staff

Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo is our favorite place to hike no matter the season, but it is especially beautiful in the fall. I first went there in October more than 30 years ago with my then boyfriend, now husband, and it's been a tradition ever since. We toted our kids in backpack carriers when they were little and used walkie-talkies (pre-cell phone) when they were older. The West Bluff Trail is required anytime we go to the park, and maybe a stop for a treat at the concession stand.

–Chris Skumatz, Staff

Scout Lake Park in Greendale

-Anonymous, Staff

Respond to next week's reflection prompt:

What's your favorite Halloween costume?

Submit Your Response Here

Answer the Question Here

Kern Connection Cafe Discussion

LGBTQ Care: How National Decisions Affect Local Care

Please join us for a virtual Connections Cafe with Andrew Petroll, MD, MS, Medical Director of the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin Inclusion Health Clinic and Jessica Francis, MD, OB/GYN, Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

As our medical system continues to be tested by the current pandemic and resource shortages, we must stay vigilant in providing care to our marginalized populations. Changes we see at a national level affect our ability to provide care at a local level. As we continue to evolve through these challenging times, we will discuss how we can provide optimal care under suboptimal circumstances.

November 12, 2020

Live Virtual Presentation

4:00 - 5:00 pm CT

Kern Grand Rounds Presentation

Creating Physicians Where a Medical School Should Not Exist

Please join us for a virtual Grand Rounds presentation with Dan Hunt, MD, MBA, Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) field secretary and Secretary Emeritus.

In this time of so many moving parts in medical education, be they the changes in USMLE scoring or increased on-line learning, we must ask ourselves how we can use these situations to maximize our graduates’ skills and likelihood of addressing society’s health care inequities. Having been on both sides of the table, both defending a school's innovative curriculum to the LCME and then later being the LCME reviewer for many, if not most, of the new schools across the US and Canada, there are lessons to be shared on how to let the LCME standards guide rather than obstruct creativity.