End of an Era: Voice of the Physician

The views expressed in this post do not represent those of my employer... or do they? For the first time in a long while, I am completely my own boss! It’s a bit of a surreal experience, but also very exhilarating.

Before I get too far down my new path, I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge what may signify the close of a significant chapter in my professional life. I have had the privilege of practicing in various environments, including the Navy and rural Mississippi. Along the way, I found myself stepping into leadership roles within different health systems. Reflecting on my experiences, a common thread emerges: I volunteered to serve as the "voice of the physician" when it came to evaluating technology solutions. My advocacy seemed to resonate with leadership and I was rewarded with increasing responsibilities. This same passion for improving the lives of physicians led me to join a healthcare technology company dedicated to reducing clinician burnout.

What I discovered is that a leader's willingness to listen to physicians often plays a crucial role in successfully implementing positive changes within their organizations. While I don’t claim that physicians have all the solutions to the numerous challenges facing healthcare, I firmly believe they provide a vital perspective that tends to be overlooked as leaders become more distant from direct patient care.

I have had the privilege of working alongside many incredible individuals, forming lasting friendships and meaningful connections throughout my journey that I hope will persist. I continue to be inspired by the dedication of so many to enhance the lives of patients and providers within their reach. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my friends in the Navy, Magee General Hospital , Community Memorial Healthcare , Dignity Health and Augmedix for their steadfast support and unwavering commitment to both my career and personal growth.

In my new venture, my mission is to transform lives by transforming health, serving as both a physician and a coach. I have temporarily shifted away from traditional insurance-based models to explore a more holistic approach. I am committed to pursuing new scientific discoveries, innovative technologies, and fresh ideas as we navigate the new frontier of wellness and longevity. Regardless of where this journey leads, I will prioritize listening to the insights or "voice" of fellow physicians while also engaging with my patients, and together, we will uncover our shared aspirations.

I urge those in positions of influence within our healthcare system to continue to recognize and leverage what may be your most valuable asset: your physicians.