GLMS MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO
“REDISCOVER JOY”
New Zealand’s Robin Youngson, MD, visited The Old Medical
School Building on the morning of Tuesday, April 21 to talk with
Louisville physicians about how to invigorate their attitude and
their practice.
The program, titled “Rediscovering Joy in the Practice of Medicine,”
was part of Dr. Youngson’s six week visit to Louisville with his wife,
Meredith, encouraging physicians to reflect on why they chose
their profession and support their peers in need.
“We want to get back to why we’re here,” said Denise Puthuff, MD,
introducing Dr. Youngson to physicians before he took the floor.
Throughout the event, Dr. Youngson spoke candidly about his
restlessness in practice and the car crash of his daughter which
gave him perspective into the tiny moments of kindness which
can transform a traumatic event.
“I had always thought of care as a one way street. I’m the physician. I went to school. You’re the patient. But that’s not the case,”
he said. “I believe you can change the whole world if you’re willing
to change your attitude. Every act of compassion strengthens and
builds your own heart.”
Dr. Youngson was frank about the obstacles facing physicians and
the daunting statistics such as high suicide rates and rapid burn
out following medical school graduation. He encouraged those
in attendance to “make a human connection” with their patients
and put them at ease before pushing on to clinical questions.
“I take care of my thoughts, feelings and intentions because the
patient can sense it,” Dr. Youngson said, pointing to numerous
studies that indicated the attitude a physician displayed to their
patient could have a direct or indirect impact on the patients
success and recovery.
For more information about the Youngsons, visit their website
www.heartsinhealthcare.com.
GLMS NEWS MAY 2015
(Top) Dr. Robin Youngson speaks with incoming GLMS President Robert Couch, MD,
MBA, following his presentation. (Bottom) Dr. Youngson talks with GLMS Foundation Co-Chair Denise Puthuff, MD. GLMS and the GLMS Foundation collaborated
to have Dr. Youngson as a guest speaker.
(Opposite page) Board Chair
James Patrick Murphy, MD,
MMM, presents The Healing
Place President Karyn Hascal with a $5,000 check from
GLMS. (This page, left) GLMS
President Bruce Scott, MD,
presents Dr. Murphy with
the ceremonial handcrafted chair to commemorate
his time serving as GLMS
Board Chair. (Center) Dr.
Scott opens his gift as outgoing GLMS President. (Right
top) Dr. Murphy presents
GLMSA Co-President Rhonda
Rhodes with a plaque honoring her service. (Right
bottom) Dr. Murphy thanks
GLMS Executive Director Lelan Woodmansee, CAE (left)
for his collaboration and
friendship.
3