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

In this conversation, Dr. Kara Pepper shares with host Dr. Saba Fatima, her journey from a successful medical career to confronting her struggles with substance use and burnout. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in medicine, the challenges healthcare workers face, and the need for open conversations about mental health and substance use. Dr. Pepper discusses her personal experiences with alcohol, the stigma surrounding it, and the significance of community support in recovery. She encourages listeners to recognize their autonomy in their careers and to seek help when needed, ultimately advocating for a culture shift in the medical profession.

Dr. Kara Pepper is a practicing primary care Internist and executive coach in Atlanta, GA. After 14 years in private practice, Dr. Pepper built her own 17-state telemedicine practice for adults across the southeast, especially those with eating disorders. In addition to her clinical practice, she provides executive coaching and is the founder of Micropractice Mastermind, a community for physicians transforming healthcare through solo practice. Dr. Pepper is the podcast host of "It's Not Just You," stories of survival, humanism, and career sustainability.

Chapters
00:00
Breaking the Silence on Substance Abuse in Healthcare
03:17
Dr. Kara Pepper's Journey: From Perfectionism to Recovery
06:02
The Impact of COVID-19 on Substance Use Among Physicians
08:54
Understanding Shame and Seeking Help in Medicine
11:48
The Prevalence of Substance Abuse in Healthcare
14:44
Feeling Trapped: The Burden of Professional Expectations
17:46
Taking Action: How to Seek Help and Support
20:32
Navigating Work and Recovery: Do You Need to Quit?
23:24
Creating Compassionate Work Environments for Healthcare Workers
28:13
Breaking Free from Addiction
32:15
Navigating Social Relationships Post-Addiction
33:50
Talking to Teens About Addiction
36:23
Transitioning to a New Career
38:36
Identity and Responsibility in Medicine
41:11
Normalizing Conversations Around Substance Use
42:14
Cultural Norms and Alcohol
43:17
Final Thoughts and Resources

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