People Profile – Dr. Hannah Gaynier

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Hannah Gaynier, MD, (PGY 2; Pediatrics)

For Hannah Gaynier, MD, (PGY 2; Pediatrics) it was a passion for public health that led her to medicine. Fewer barriers and greater access to care, especially for the pediatric population, are on her wish list for the future. “Healthcare within all school systems is a dream of mine,” she says.

She also craved a career where she could develop personal relationships, like those physicians are able to establish with their patients. Now in her second year of residency at MedStar Georgetown, Dr. Gaynier appreciates the perspective that her patients provide.

“Even in the more difficult times, pediatric patients always seem to find ways—like a silly drawing they’re proud to show off—to remind providers of the all the joy that exists.”

Away from the hospital, Dr. Gaynier finds perspective by being outside, and she says nature is an important balance to the clinical setting.

“A walk in Rock Creek Park is all my mind needs sometimes to remember that a whole life exists outside of residency,” she says.

She likes to remind her colleagues to maintain perspective, too. Dr. Gaynier encourages her fellow residents at MedStar Health that no one expects them to be an expert on everything. “Give yourself permission to admit to yourself (and sometimes even to your patients) that you are uncertain. And use that uncertainty as a motivator to learn more,” she says.

Dr. Gaynier’s interest in learning doesn’t just apply to her day job. She also loves to bake and enjoys testing out new recipes from her favorite baking blogs on her (very lucky and, likely, very willing!) colleagues at least once a month. “Fortunately, my residency program has agreed to be my guinea pigs!”

People Profile – Dr. Sabrina Coaxum

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Sabrina Coaxum, MD, MHS, (PGY 1; Pediatrics)

Sabrina Coaxum, MD, MHS, (PGY 1; Pediatrics) says that, especially on longer days, her young patients’ humor, honesty, and resilience serve as a positive reminder of the goodness in the world. Dr. Coaxum loves that pediatrics gives her the opportunity to interact with children of all ages—to watch them grow and to celebrate their developmental milestones with them.

Growing up in College Park, Maryland, Dr. Coaxum found herself asking questions and wanting to know more when attending her own or loved ones’ doctors’ appointments. She also noticed a lack of representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) in medicine, which further motivated her to pursue a career in the field and, hopefully, serve as a role model for future generations.

Having witnessed firsthand the inequities that exist in healthcare, Dr. Coaxum hopes that the future of medicine in the United States will mean more equitable care for individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, or ethnicity. And she hopes to be able to promote this positive change through her own work as a pediatrician.

Dr. Coaxum acknowledges that working in healthcare is a collaborative effort, which is why her top piece of advice for her co-residents is to learn to be okay asking for help. She says that the guidance and teaching of the experienced and approachable attendings at MedStar Health have helped her succeed thus far. “Their support and understanding have helped instill a sense of direction and growing confidence as I progress through my training,” she says.

During her time away from MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Dr. Coaxum says she makes sure to schedule time with friends and family, in advance, so she always has something to look forward to and is making sure to prioritize her own well-being. She also plans at-home spa days once in a while to unwind and pamper herself a bit. Other activities that give Dr. Coaxum a chance to recharge include traveling, puzzling, crocheting, and taking local classes, like cooking or candle-making.

Navigating grief during the holidays

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Grief can feel especially heavy during the holidays, as traditions and gatherings may amplify feelings of loss. As a healthcare provider, you may also carry the emotional weight of patients and their families who are grieving. Here are a few strategies to help:

  • Acknowledge your feelings. It’s okay to feel sad or overwhelmed. Give yourself permission to grieve in your own way and time.
  • Honor loved ones. Engage in a meaningful tradition, such as lighting a candle, sharing a memory, or donating in their name.
  • Set boundaries. If certain gatherings or traditions feel too difficult, it’s okay to decline or modify them.

Managing stress amid the chaos

Between work responsibilities and personal obligations, the holidays can feel like a whirlwind. To manage stress effectively:

  • Prioritize self-care. Take short breaks, get adequate sleep, move your body, and fuel your body with nutritious meals. Even small acts of self-care can have a big impact.
  • Ask for help. Whether it’s delegating tasks at work or asking a friend to lend a hand, reaching out for support can lighten your load.
  • Practice mindfulness. Ground yourself with simple techniques like deep breathing or a short meditation.

Finding joy and meaning

While challenges may arise, the holidays can also be an opportunity to find moments of joy and connection.

  • Create new traditions. If your schedule or circumstances don’t allow for traditional celebrations, craft your own meaningful moments, such as sharing a meal with coworkers.
  • Connect with your community. Whether through your family, friends, colleagues, or local institutions, lean into relationships that uplift you. Sometimes, being present for others can be a source of healing.
  • Celebrate wins. Reflect on the impact you’ve made as a healthcare provider this year. Your work is meaningful and deeply appreciated.

Resources to support your journey

Remember, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. From programs that support individuals to education and training that creates a culture of wellbeing, MedStar offers resources designed to support you.

For more information, please check out our wellbeing initiatives and the MedStar Health Center for Wellbeing.

The holiday season can be a time of mixed emotions, but with the right tools and support, you can navigate this period with resilience and compassion for yourself. If you or a colleague are struggling, reach out – MedStar is committed to your wellbeing.

Wishing you peace, strength, and moments of joy this holiday season.

Medical Educator Minute – Educators as leaders

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Collaboration is at the heart of what we do at MedStar Health, especially within the GME community. All of our residents, fellows, and faculty bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard is essential to our collective success.

The Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation defines the learning environment as “…the social interactions, organizational culture and structures, and physical and virtual spaces that surround and shape the learners’ experiences, perceptions and learning.” Many theories and frameworks have tried to encompass the complexity of the learning environment and emphasize challenges in workplace learning. Gruppen, et. al outlines a framework that focuses on the multidimensional aspects of our learning environment as follows1:

 

The authors conclude that the learning environment is comprised of not only complex social interactions but also involves the surrounding support and environment and encompasses not only learners but the patients, teachers, and leaders within an organization.

1.Gruppen, Larry D. PhD; Irby, David M. MDiv, PhD; Durning, Steven J. MD, PhD; Maggio, Lauren A. MS(LIS), PhD. Conceptualizing Learning Environments in the Health Professions. Academic Medicine 94(7):p 969-974, July 2019. | DOI: 10.1097/ACM.0000000000002702

To foster constructive and respectful conversations, begin by building trust.

Take the time to understand where your colleagues come from and what they aim to achieve. Actively listen – without planning your next response while they’re speaking and offer positive reinforcement that encourages additive dialogue. Simple tools like saying, “That’s a great point. Let’s discuss it further one-on-one,” or “What if we explored this idea together?” can enhance collaboration and show that every voice matters.

Motivating one another to teach and learn is also crucial.

By creating a safe space for exploration and experimentation, we can challenge assumptions, offer valuable insights, and uncover innovative solutions. Use open-ended questions to clarify ideas and delve deeper into issues: “Can you elaborate on that?” or “Help me understand your perspective.”

Inclusion is key.

By ensuring all voices are heard, we harness the power of diverse ideas and backgrounds. Encourage participation with phrases like, “What do others here think?” or “Thank you for sharing your perspective—it’s helpful to hear different views.”

Together, we are stronger. Let’s continue to learn from each other, embrace our collective strengths, and grow as a community dedicated to advancing healthcare excellence

To learn more, check out: journals.lww.com

People Profile – Dr. Brandon Albert

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Brandon Albert, MD, (PGY4 Chief Pediatric Resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital)

Brandon Albert, MD, (PGY4 Chief Pediatric Resident at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital) was inspired to go into the field of medicine because of the opportunity to influence others through what he calls the gift of service. The concept of service is a consistent thread throughout his time at MedStar Health.

“MedStar’s inspiring community – environmental services, nursing, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, attendings, co-residents, and others have all helped me succeed,” he says. “I have been fortunate enough to make several friends in the hallways on my commute to the floor and those brief interactions consistently uplift me.”

Originally from Springfield, Virginia, Dr. Albert finds deep fulfillment in collaborating with families to achieve shared health goals, appreciating the unique opportunity to work with all members of a family toward common objectives. He envisions a future where medicine in the United States is easily accessible and equitably integrated across all demographics.

Like other specialties, pediatrics is a field that requires clinicians to take care of themselves before they can care for others. To prioritize their wellbeing, Dr. Albert reminds his colleagues and himself of the remarkable impact they have on patients and encourages them to allow themselves grace in all aspects of their job.

He also encourages residents and fellows to maintain their individuality. “Never lose yourself in this process,” he says. “You are what got you here, and your patients benefit greatly from interacting with your true, authentic self.”

Spending time with friends and family is one way Dr. Albert pays attention to his personal wellbeing. He and his wife, Lauren, enjoy cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Los Angeles Lakers. His hobbies also include attending concerts, playing basketball, and photography.

Nearly halfway through his final year of residency, Dr. Albert says it has been a privilege to work alongside his colleagues at MedStar.  “Thank you, everyone, for playing such a huge role in this pivotal part of my life.”

People Profile – Dr. Stephen Kane

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Stephen Kane, MD, PGY 4; Family Medicine/Preventive Medicine)

Stephen Kane, MD, (PGY 4; Family Medicine/Preventive Medicine) is encouraged by the fact that our healthcare system in the United States is beginning to look more at the social drivers of health—the factors encountered outside of clinical care that make up 80 percent of a patient’s health.

Dr. Kane says that his combined specialty of family medicine and preventive medicine has allowed him to help with this shift and to focus on making programmatic and policy changes for underserved populations.

“With advanced primary care models focused on funds for quality of care and social drivers, we are set to create a system that works for patients—and not in spite of their social conditions,” he says.

Dr. Kane pursued medicine to support and guide people at some of the most vulnerable moments of life, and his specialty has allowed him to enjoy an incredible continuity of care with his patients and walk with them through life’s medical and social challenges.

As a fourth-year resident at Medstar Franklin Square and a student at Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Dr. Kane encourages other residents not to go it alone and to ask for help when needed. “Residency is a marathon, not a sprint. Sometimes you’ll excel, and sometimes you’ll fail. That’s normal—you are in a training program. If you are underwater, you’re not alone and the program likely has the resources to help you. Make sure to ask,” he says.

In addition, Dr. Kane suggests leaning on others in your program. He says his own program and co-residents have been a source of support through the long hours and difficult cases and have connected him with fantastic mentors that exemplify the type of physician he hopes to become.

He also suggests finding restorative activities to enjoy outside of work. Running with his pup, hanging out with his nieces, finding live music, or sharing hikes, food, or quality time with his co-residents are a few of his favorites.