We have an obligation as physicians and surgeons to provide the best possible care that we can at all times . Whatever you need to do to get yourself to that point where you can provide that care , I think that ’ s very important .”
One of the most important lessons she shares with the trainees , though , is what she calls “ operating room street smarts .”
“ You ’ ve got to have respect from when you first walk in the door . Just introducing yourself and getting to know the circulators and scrub techs , communicating with your anesthesia team , not feeling like you ’ re the big boss as soon as you walk through the door just because you have an MD behind your name . If you do that , you end up having a lot of friends and it ’ s a much more pleasant place to work when you get along with the members of the treatment team .”
With surgeries often spilling into the weekends , her limited free time is spent on things that quietly rejuvenate her . While her basketball days are long gone , she gets energy from keeping up with exercise and particularly likes to run . A fan of road races and triathlons , often alongside her sisters , she loves the Louisville park system , with Cherokee Park topping her list .
Possibly what gives her the most joy is spending time with her large family . The pickleball craze has taken over the Todd family and they also have a bluegrass band called Family Matters where she sings . She ’ s known as an aunt extraordinaire , coming up on the tenth in the crew of nieces and nephews . The fluffiest member of the family is her Border Collie , Purple , who ’ s known to be quite the drama queen .
Knowing she ’ s an introvert , she sees the irony in her next statement . But if you look at her motivations and drive , it makes perfect sense .
“ My work is so energizing and it ’ s because I get to be around people . It really is a highlight of my life to go to work every day . I get so much satisfaction dedicating my life to this career and my patients and I hope I get to continue that for years to come .”
Kathryn Vance is the Communications and Event Coordinator at the Greater Louisville Medical Society .
March 2024 35