Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Baltimore but spent most of my childhood in Memphis. In high school, we moved to Peoria, Illinois, where my parents still live. I attended medical school at the University of Illinois in Chicago and completed an internal medicine residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Following a general internal medicine fellowship at the University of Chicago (UC), I worked in a community hospital and enrolled in graduate school, studying social determinants of health. Upon graduation, I joined the UC faculty and pursued a career in academic medicine. My research focused on strategies to reduce health disparities and improve chronic disease management. Since joining Emory in 2017, I have focused on primary care redesign and achieving the Quadruple Aim for optimizing health system performance.
Why did you decide to go into medicine?
I have always enjoyed problem-solving. Medicine is a great way to apply math and science to problems that are universal. Over the years I have learned that while health solutions can be straightforward, implementing them is frequently challenging. In medicine, there is no shortage of problems that need to be solved
What does “clinical excellence” mean to you?
Clinical Excellence means providing the best care possible. This requires expertise and empathy. Master clinicians often say they provide the type of care their parents would like to receive. The care environment is also critical. William Osler said, “Medical care must be provided with utmost efficiency. To do less is a disservice to those we treat, and an injustice to those we might have treated.” In this era of information overload and data surplus, we need to ensure that physicians have the tools and time they need to provide expert, empathetic care.
One of your areas of interest is “increasing joy in medicine among providers and staff”. Can you tell us what this means?
We are amazingly privileged to work in health care. Patients place significant trust in our ability to help them when they are most vulnerable. Few professions are as rewarding or provide as much joy on a day-to-day basis. However, a pitched battle is being waged for the time of health care providers. On one hand are patients, who deserve our undivided attention. On the other hand are ever-increasing requirements for clinical documentation. In recent years, clinical documentation has gained the upper hand and begun to affect the doctor-patient relationship. In 2008, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement listed improving population health, enhancing patient experience, and controlling health care costs as the Triple Aim for optimizing health system performance. In 2014, a fourth aim was added which is improving the work life of providers and staff. Some have argued that the Triple Aim is unattainable unless the fourth aim is achieved. I agree with them. A top priority for me is to engage experts from throughout Emory to design workflows that optimize the time we spend with our patients and restore the joy that’s essential for optimal health care.
Dogs or cats?
Definitely dogs. Growing up, we always had a dog in the house. Some were hyper-active while others were more chill; all were affectionate. People who walk their dogs always offer a friendly hello. I think there is truth to the bumper sticker that says, “My dog rescued me.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I read a lot to keep up with current events. I also like to walk and bike-ride with my wife, Grace. We have more time to do this now that our youngest is in college. Every Saturday, I play pick-up soccer with people in my age group. The games can be competitive but we are all there to have fun. Recently, I played against someone who ran circles around everyone despite being 10 years older than most of us. He is motivating me to exercise more during the week. I coached soccer for many years and feel it’s important that kids have opportunities to develop good exercise habits. Hopefully, I can start coaching again soon.
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