July 7, 2023

Graduation is a chance to reflect on the impact of our family medicine residents

Last Friday, I got to participate in one of my favorite events: the graduation ceremony for the CoxHealth Family Medicine Residency. I have written before about my connection to the residency’s special culture, highlighting its tightly knit feel within the larger CoxHealth family.

Early in my career, I supported the residency as part of my role with our clinics. It was a highlight for me to be accepted into that inner circle, and it was a bit like a reunion to be in the room with the group Friday night. I loved seeing everyone, hearing about their successes, and watching how much they have grown in a short period of time.

I appreciate how over the years I have been able to see new residents progress through the program from day one all the way to their graduation.

Now, as I watch the residents receive their diplomas, the process takes on new significance. In my role as CEO, I get to sign each of their diplomas, and the weight of that gesture is not lost on me.

I know that for the rest of their careers, those documents will hang on their walls with special meaning and pride. It is a profound moment to put your name on a part of history, for the residency and for these physicians.

The class of 2023 began in the height of the pandemic in summer 2021. These residents trained during the most difficult time in the modern era of medicine. In each story we heard Friday, there were themes of how these nine residents came together as a family to push beyond seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Faculty members shared a story about Dr. Duncan Tillack and the impression he made on a patient who was incredibly ill. The patient was vulnerable, anxious, and distressed as his days in the hospital stretched on. He told the team that there were two things he looked forward to: the bacon from the Cox South cafeteria (we do have great bacon!!) and his visits with Dr. Tillack.

“He came in the room and made me feel like I was the only person on the planet,” the patient said. “I felt seen, listened to, and truly heard.”

It is meaningful to hear how these residents are making a difference for our patients and how they are able to embody both the best of medicine and the art of caring for patients on a human level.

Events like Friday’s have a touch of sadness as these residents end their time together, but it is also a celebration as they launch into the next phase of their careers. I am proud that four wonderful physicians from the residency will be joining our team in the fall.

We are richly blessed to have the residency and its incredible leadership and faculty. The faculty and the administrative team are training up the future generations in our workforce, and I couldn’t be more proud of this class of graduates!

A special “thank you” – Friday was the final graduation for my friend Jackie Gordon, who will soon be retiring from her role as a psychologist for the residency program. In her work, Jackie has taught our residents and given them the tools to be sensitive to patients, and to themselves. Jackie Gordon is a big reason that our residents demonstrate so much compassion, and I am grateful for her commitment to the residency!

Connecting to my roots with a holiday project

I took time for an extended holiday weekend for the Fourth of July, and it was the perfect mix of spending time with family and connecting with my roots. My dad was in town for a few days, and, as you well know, we are both the type who can’t sit still. We had to have a project to work on. We spent time building a pergola on the deck — a project that had us outside for a couple days, working with our hands.

I was reminded of the satisfaction I felt during my years working in construction. There is a sense of accomplishment in using a chop saw and a nail gun that is a lot different than the work of strategy and leading. At the office, we are often talking about changes that may take years to be realized. It’s a nice refresher to have a project that is complete in two and a half days.

It feels good to have a tangible result that you built, that you can step back and see progress. By the end, even my father-in-law was impressed!

A little balance is good for all of us, and I am glad the weekend offered a chance to break out of the norms and “relax” by taking a different approach for a few days. I hope you and your family had the chance to mix up your routines and enjoy as well!

Reflecting on our blessings on The Fourth of July

The holiday this week is another reminder of how immensely blessed we are to live in the best country in the world.

The Fourth of July is a reflection point to be thankful for the many sacrifices of the Americans who have come before us, serving in the military or serving their communities.

I was reminded of this as we hosted a re-enlistment ceremony for Randell Adarme, a drill sergeant at Fort Leonard Wood. Staff Sgt. Adarme collapsed during a training last year, due to a heart condition. After an emergency surgery at Cox South, he began his road to recovery. He is now eligible to serve again, and he joined Dr. Zolfaghari and our cardiology team to take the oath at Cox South. You can see the full story on coxhealth.com.

Often, it can be easy to forget that what we have isn’t only generated by our own horsepower — we owe much to what others have done on our behalf.

I am grateful to all who step up to stand in the gaps for others. Dr. Z and the team were there for Staff Sgt. Adarme, and now he is back standing in the gap for all of us.

That service and self-sacrifice at all levels is a huge part of what makes this a great nation, and it is a blessing that we shouldn’t take for granted.

Voice of the Patient

Adapted from inpatient feedback at Cox Barton County: “Every time I have been in this hospital it has been a pleasant experience. The staff was great, the food was exceptionally good and the hospital was very clean!”

Thank you for all you do,

Max

Direct Line from Max Buetow for 7/7/2023