LEADERS IN MEDICINE
( Service to Medicine , continued from page 16 )
Through the advocacy activities , I became a known and trusted source resource to many . Soon ( 2013 and 2017 ) the governor appointed me to the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure . I attended the Federation of State Medical Boards in 2014 . Few physicians attend that meeting … sadly , it ’ s mostly legal , executives and lay board members that attend . I went to the microphone several times to clarify points and ask questions . I returned home and to work … got a call the next day , “ Would you be willing to serve on one of five committees ?” I indicated I really wanted to be on the Editorial Committee . He agreed to assign me there . At the next meeting , the Editor announced she was retiring , and I was selected as the new Editor-in-Chief ! This year I have added the Federation of State Medical Boards ( FSMB ) Ethics and Professionalism committee which has been focusing on evidence based expert testimony .
Part of being a professional is taking care of your profession . There are many ways to approach this . My guiding theme has been to do things that matter ... hence the many different types of publications and activities on my curriculum vitae . Also , when we are already working hard , it ’ s easier to commit time to activities and causes which are deeply meaningful - that drive us . From departmental QA / QI projects to leadership roles in local state and national organizations , every activity I have committed to has mattered . I was recently deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Service Award from the FSMB . My first thought was , “ I ’ m not done serving yet !” Our time and resources are too precious to spend energy on things that don ’ t really matter . I encourage each of you to find a niche where you are able to make a difference . It is so fulfilling : more on that coming soon !
Dr . Koenig is a neuroanesthesiologist and Vice Chair of Faculty Affairs and Professor of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine at the University of Louisville . She teaches and provides patient care and practices at the University and the Robley Rex VA Hospital . She serves on the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure , and as the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Medical Regulation .
( Every Day is a New Day for a Smile , continued from page 17 )
Fast forward to the present , some time later : after finally sitting down long enough for one cheese cracker and a sip of water , I became confused on why the next patient was on the schedule . He was not supposed to be back for another few months , I looked at the attending and our boss said , “ He is either here for something really good , or something really bad , but either way we are about to find out .” I said , “ Yeah , and I truly hope it is the former .”
I walked in with another person and we got the patient history . I found myself glad that I had a mask on to hide my expression . My mouth was agape to the point that my jaw began to ache , and that is when I became aware of my shock . This patient , Tim , had been in the clinic recently , yet today he looked like a whole different person . Before , he ’ d been jovial , upbeat and about 30 pounds heavier .
He flashed a weak smile and tried to say something that was unintelligible . I squatted down a bit and listened as he painfully formed words . After reporting , his jaw seemed locked , so we took a closer look , hoping that things were healing after the resection and radiation treatments . Despite our hopeful start together , he unfortunately seemed to be trending the other way . Despite the pain , he was beaming and still making jokes .
He opened his mouth and the situation was dire : we suspected necrosis of his jaw , which would mean inability to eat . After admission , he went straight to the OR the next day . At first , he ’ d rejected being admitted because of its cost . Our social worker figured out ways to qualify for funding and got him to agree to go to the OR .
On the way , I walked beside him and he grabbed both of my hands . He had a weak smile and this time I said , “ Hey , Tim let me see those teeth , every day is a new day for a smile .” He looked back up , smiled as big as I had seen him , and gently closed his eyes as the anesthesiologist began .
Knowing Tim will always help me to remember the importance of both leadership and patient advocacy . On service or in the clinic , med students can act as an advocate and conduit for providing the patient clarity , and a better understanding about what the attending physician and management team thinks is best . Be sure to ask the attending how you can fill in , help the patient be invested in his care and be a better patient advocate .
Tim and I continue to be intentional about smiling and leading our bodies in how to act . Holding hands and sharing a joke provides the foundation for patient trust and confidence in his team . When you are in doubt , questioning yourself and enduring minute tasks , despite inner turmoil , be sure to flash a grin and remind people that “ Every day is a new day to smile .” Remember that you are a leader and with it comes great responsibility . We owe it to our patients to go to bat for them and show them that we care and value both them and their opinions .
* Patient info changed
Symone Jordan is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine .
18 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE