Transformational Times
Words of Hope, Character & Resilience from our Virtual Community
Friday, February 25, 2022
|
|
In This Issue Focused on the Kern Institute GME Pillar: |
|
Guest Director's Corner
Perspective/Opinion
Take 3
Poetry Corner
|
|
Your Turn
Upcoming Events/Announcements
|
|
Guest Director's Corner
Why WELL Residents are Critical to Healthcare
By Alicia Pilarski, DO and Kathlyn Fletcher, MD, MA
Dr. Pilarski and Dr. Fletcher, along with the Kern Institute’s Graduate Medical Education (GME) Pillar team, take over this week’s Transformational Times …
A colleague once wrote about why they do their job, and their response was “Because we are ALL future patients.” This reality sometimes gets missed in the routine day-to-day patient care and the endless hours of learning that characterize residency training. It’s not until we ourselves become patients, or our family and friends become patients, do we feel our own vulnerability and see ourselves as someone who will one day need medicine and our healthcare team to care for us. But what if that healthcare system does not exist or fails to appropriately address our medical needs? Now, more than ever, we need the next generation of physicians to recognize their value and significance in our world, since their roles will play a critical part in healthcare for the foreseeable future.
|
|
Perspective/Opinion
Invictus
By Andrew Perez, MD
Andrew Perez, MD, a PGY3 Interventional Radiology resident, writes about an empathic patient encounter where a few lines of poetry led to a personal connection and the opportunity for both patient and physician to see the world in a new light …
“It’s easy. Just hold compression for a half hour. If there is still flow, hold pressure for another half hour.”
Between the impermeable gown I am drowning in and the rubber band straps of the N-95 respirator pulling at the hairs on the back of my head, this could be an extremely long 30-60 minutes. Working with COVID-positive patients is not a convenient endeavor, but this is my first opportunity to perform ultrasound-guided compression of a pseudoaneurysm, and I hadn't hesitated to volunteer.
|
|
Perspective/Opinion
Nurturing Inter-departmental Relationships: An Important Step Towards Better Patient Care (and More)
By Mark Wandzel, DO and Brigitte C. Vanle, MD, PhD
Dr. Mark Wandzel, a CA3 Anesthesiology resident, and Dr. Brigitte C. Vanle, a PGY1 General Surgery resident, offer their perspectives on the powerful impact of a well-being event that included residents and faculty from both the Departments of Anesthesiology and Surgery. This event, and others like it, were sponsored by small grants from the Kern Institute, through the GME Pillar and MCWAH ...
The night of October 23rd was an unprecedented social gathering between Anesthesiology and General Surgery residents that was hosted at MKE Brewery and sponsored by the Kern Institute.
With a lack of social events within our residency and no organized interdepartmental residency gatherings to date, Bonnie Chow (a General Surgery resident) and I saw this as an excellent opportunity. General Surgery and Anesthesiology residents work together daily and, while always cordial, the large size of both residencies inevitably creates an impersonal air. Our event sought to lower this drape of formality (literally and figuratively) and inspire new, interdepartmental friendships that would, hopefully, translate to a friendlier work environment fostering both improved communication and patient care.
|
|
Perspective/Opinion
The Parable of Dr. Benny: The Need for Practical Wisdom in Character and Professional Development During Residency Training
By John Yoon, MD
This article is Part 2 of an extended personal reflection on Character & Professional Development based on the “Parable of Dr. Benny.” Part 1 can be found here.
At some point in the middle of his grueling internal medicine residency training, Dr. Benny sat still for a brief moment in his cramped call room to ask himself a nagging and somewhat uncomfortable question: “Am I really becoming a good physician?”
So one day at the encouragement of his mentor, Dr. Benny decides to tackle that question head-on and writes a Professional Journey Essay (PJE)—a reflection he was asked to share at a conference that his mentor was convening. His essay began with the following reflection:
|
|
Perspective/Opinion
Med Moth Workship
By Amber Bo
Amber Bo, an MCW-Milwaukee medical student, shares her experience participating in a close reading writers workshop in preparation for the MCW Med Moth event to be held on March 2, 2022 …
On a cold, wintery day in February, six medical students and an interventional radiology resident gathered with Dr. Campbell, a seasoned writer and editor, for a storytelling workshop to prepare for the Med Moth storytelling event on the evening of March 2, 2022. We began with reading Mary Oliver’s The Rabbit, a poem on nature, life, and death, and shared what stood out to us. It was a quiet group at first, but soon enough, voices chimed in, and I was both surprised and interested by what the others had noticed. They were things I hadn’t had the eye to discern, showing the joy of simply gathering around to share our thoughts on a poem.
|
|
Take 3
Resident Involvement in the GME Pillar
By Kimberly Tyler, MD and Ana Istrate, MD - PGY2 Internal Medicine residents and members of the GME Pillar
Dr. Tyler and Dr. Istrate describe their involvement in the GME Pillar of the Kern Institute for the Transformation of Medical Education. They share their hopes for its impact in the future ...
Dr. Tyler and Dr. Istrate answer the following questions:
- Why did you want to get involved with the GME Pillar?
- What do you think that you will personally get out of your involvement in the GME Pillar?
- Looking at the year ahead, what do you hope the GME Pillar will be able to do to improve the lives and/or training of residents at MCW?
|
|
Resident Mentoring Event
Mentorship is incredibly important during residency. Residents with mentors report improved satisfaction with their career development, are more likely to choose academics for their career, report a higher quality of life, and experience less burnout and stress.
To facilitate resident mentorship, the Kern GME Pillar is hosting a resident mentoring event on March 2, 2022, in the Medical Education Building room M3850 from 12-12:45 pm, where residents will have the opportunity to seek mentorship from faculty and peers on a variety of topics from academic careers, work/life balance, the job search, and others.
March 2, 2022
12:00 - 12:45 PM
Medical Education Building room M3850
|
|
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.
|
|
Medical College of Wisconsin and Froedtert Health leaders share a message of thanks with residents practicing in the Medical College of Wisconsin Area Hospitals Residency Program (MCWAH). |
|
Messages of Gratitude to Residents from Faculty and Staff |
|
Many thanks to all of our psychiatry residents, but a shout out to Matt. Not only does he take care of his patients with great empathy and kindness, but he goes above and beyond to help the underserved. I was able to witness this firsthand this week and truly admire his pursuance and perseverance in speaking up for those who often cannot speak up for themselves. He advocates for them and generates creative answers to complicated questions. Thanks to all our unsung heroes: The MCW Psychiatry Residents.
– Carolyn, Staff
|
|
I want to give a special shout-out to all of the Interventional Radiology Residents. The impact you have left on me as hard-working, incredibly bright residents (and genuinely good people) will last well-beyond your graduation years. I may not work directly with you anymore, but I will always be cheering you on from afar. Thank you for always treating your patients with the same kindness and respect that you treat your colleagues, while upholding the high expectations that have been set for you. You are all amazing, and there isn't a single doubt in my mind that each of you will be incredibly successful Interventional Radiologists.
– Mandy Stadler, Staff
|
|
In 2004 Dr. Ash Thompson was the psychiatry intern on the team I was assigned to as a 3rd-year medical student. If there was a senior resident on the team, I don't recall. I do recall Dr. Thompson's patient, infectious intellectual curiosity about his patients and the medical art of psychiatry, even though he was just at the beginning of practice himself. At first I thought his calm demeanor aloof. I soon realized he was actually engaged and thoughtful, his ability to maintain composure during any variety of psychiatric emergency a true gift. Ash became a lifelong friend and a physician I continue to admire.
– Name withheld
|
|
For this week's reflection prompt, please answer the following question:
In one word, what has COVID taught you in the last two years?
|
|
Please Join Us
March MedMoth
Please join us on March 2, 2022, at 6:30 pm in person and virtually for MedMoth: Storytelling Reflections on Medicine.
|
|
Submit Abstracts for Ottowa 2022
Ottawa 2022 is to be held at the Lyon Congress Centre, Lyon, France, from 26-28 August, immediately preceding AMEE 2022 as a hybrid, in person and virtual Conference. Plenaries and symposia will be live-streamed for online participants, who will have the opportunity to present in some formats remotely from their own time zone.
This international event provides the opportunity for all involved in the assessment of competence in medicine and the healthcare professions across the continuum of education, to come together to discuss the current status and future direction of assessment and evaluation. Never has there been a more challenging time, or a greater need for such discussions.
Submit by March 1, 2022 for Oral presentations, Conference workshops and ePosters.
|
|
Please Join Us
MCW Common Read Spring Book Discussion
MCW Common Read invites you to our virtual Spring Book Discussion on Thursday, March 3rd from 12:00-1:00 pm!
Please join us, along with Dr. Domeyer-Klenske from the department of OBGYN and Dr. Ho Fung, a licensed psychologist who specializes in PTSD and trauma.
We will be discussing Know My Name by Chanel Miller, which gives a first-person account of sexual assault survival. Remember, you don't need to have read Know My Name to participate!
March 3, 2022
Zoom Presentation
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm CT
|
|
Center for the AWSM- Women's History Month Symposium
Join us on March 1, 2022 for the following sessions:
-
12:00 pm: AWSM’s opening plenary: Reimagining Gender Equity: Accelerating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Women in Medicine with Julie Silver, MD
-
1:30 pm: Being an Active Participant in Change: A Conversation on Intersectionality with Nikotris Perkins
- 3:00 pm – Panel: Mentoring Women Toward Careers in Research with Virtual Poster Presentation and Awards to Follow
March 1, 2022
Zoom Presentation
12:00 pm CT
|
|
Join us on March 31, 2022 for the following sessions:
- 12:00 pm: Administrative Professionals – Past, Present, & Future
-
2:00 pm: Strategies to Increase Your Publishing Success & Accelerate Promotion in Academic Medicine with Julie Silver, MD
-
4:00 pm: How to Make Science More Exciting and Accessible: Creating Compelling Scientific Figures and Graphs with Laura Flores, MD-PhD candidate
March 31, 2022
Zoom Presentation
12:00 pm CT
|
|
Save the Date
March Kern Grand Rounds with Reggie Jackson, BS
Reggie Jackson is a nationally heralded independent scholar and much sought-after speaker, researcher, writer, and consultant to the media on race relations.
As a Milwaukee native, he will bring a unique perspective on not only the national, but more importantly, the local impact of how race relations shape the health of our city, and in turn how it impacts the patients we care for and the communities we serve.
March 17, 2022
Zoom Presentation
9:00 - 10:00 am CT
|
|
Register Now
March Kern Connection Cafe: A Letter to my Future Self...
Moderated by Cassie Ferguson, MD
Come hear our graduating students read and reflect on letters they wrote to themselves nearly three years ago at the end of their REACH curriculum. What character strengths did they hope would guide their actions moving forward? What were they grateful for? What brought them joy? What kind of doctor did they want to become?
So much has changed for these student doctors since writing those letters. How have the values they wrote about then helped them to navigate the unprecedented changes that have marked the last three years? And what can we learn from their reflections that will help us to support the character and professional development of all of our students?
March 24, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
4:00 - 5:00 pm CT
|
|
Call for Submissions for 2022 KNN Conference
Faculty, staff and learners at KNN founding member schools are invited to submit a proposal for various presentation types and a poster session at the 2022 KNN Conference.
The theme is "Connect, Convene, Catalyze Toward Flourishing" and submissions should emphasize caring, character, practical wisdom and/or human flourishing in medicine.
Submissions are due before Midnight PT on April 1, 2022.
|
|
Register Now
2022 Well-Being Summit: Inhale, Exhale, and Engage: Harnessing Happiness, Joy, & Resilience in Healthcare
Proudly Sponsored by the Kern Institute
Please join us for the 2022 Well-Being Summit!
This event is open to all and anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend.
April 5, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
9:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
|
|
Register Now
April Kern Connection Cafe: Finding Joy, Resilience and Character: My Medical Education Journey
With panelists Halle Tolo, Morgan Ashley Craft, Sarah Torres and Peter Nguyen
Moderated by Malika Siker, MD
From serendipitous encounters to unexpected challenges, the path to becoming a physician is unique for each of our learners. While our students face academic rigors and clinical demands, they also find deep purpose and wonder in the pursuit of healing humankind. Join us as we hear how four of our M4 learners forged their resilience, built their character, and found joy during their journey in medical education, followed by a Q&A where they share their secrets to success.
April 14, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
4:00 - 5:00 pm CT
|
|
Save the Date
2022 Understanding Medical Professional Identity and Character Development Symposium
Save the date for the second annual Understanding Medical Professional Identity and Character Development symposium. This year's half-day event will be held virtually on April 22, 2022. We will welcome keynote speaker Dr. Tasha Wyatt of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and also host workshops and discussion groups on major topics on PIF and character development.
April 22, 2022
9:00 am - 2:00 pm CT
|
|
Register Now
2022 Summit on Advancing Equity in the Learning Environment
Please join us to explore, discuss and align our efforts in equity-focused initiatives in the learning environment! The summit will highlight how MCW incorporates equity into the learning environment while examining four areas: (1) Curriculum (2) Equitable Assessment and Mitigating Bias (3) Learning Environment Culture and (4) Equity in Research Education.
April 28, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
9:00 am - 1:00 pm CT
|
|
Register Now
Curriculum Planning Virtual Retreat
The Curriculum Innovation team invites you to register for a virtual half-day retreat on Monday, May 2, from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. We invite all faculty, staff and students to attend and share feedback on some of the curricular models. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. We hope you'll join us!
May 2, 2022
Virtual via Zoom
8:00 am - 12:00 pm CT
|
|
The Transformational Times publishes weekly, delivering stories of hope, character and resilience to our virtual community. |
|
Editorial Board: Kathlyn Fletcher, MD, Adina Kalet, MD, Wendy Peltier, MD, Erin Weileder, Nabil Attlassy, Julia Bosco, Ana Istrate, Scott Lamm, Sophia Neman, Wolf Pulsiano, Eileen Peterson, Neehal Shukla, Sarah Torres, Anna Visser, James Wu, Serena Zacharias & Emelyn Zaworski
|
|
Not getting our newsletters? Sign-up today!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
