A heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Muwanga for his unwavering dedication to our patients! A grateful family nominated him for a SPIRIT Award, recognizing his exceptional care and describing him as “kind, cheerful, professional, and incredibly polite.”
Moments like this reaffirm why we have dedicated our lives to serving others. We are beyond grateful for the compassion and commitment of our residents. Thank you, Dr. Muwanga, you exemplify the very best of us!
Adam Hood, MD, (PGY 2; Family Medicine)
Adam Hood, MD, (PGY 2; Family Medicine) says the beauty of family medicine is being able to make a significant impact in a patient’s life by taking an interest in who they are and attempting to understand and treat the person, not just the disease.
As a family medicine resident at MedStar Health–Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center, Dr. Hood describes his day-to-day as taking care of patients, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, across all walks of life and all demographics—everyone from pregnant patients and their babies to young children and the elderly. Being able to interact with and serve so many different types of people is what Dr. Hood loves most about his job.
This aspect of his work, however, has also helped shape his hope for the future of medicine in the United States—one where there is greater health equity. Dr. Hood acknowledges that a lot of good work has already been done on this front, but there is still significant progress to be made.
“I have patients who have to choose between paying for medications or paying for food or rent, or who would benefit from a certain medication but, because of their insurance or lack of insurance, aren’t able to afford it,” he says.
While Dr. Hood may have briefly considered careers outside of medicine—or even other specialties—where he landed may have, ultimately, been predestined. After all, both of his parents are primary care physicians in his hometown of Lubbock, Texas.
Prior to beginning his residency at MedStar Health, Dr. Hood says he had never lived outside of the state of Texas. But he emphasizes how fortunate he feels to have ended up in his program, where, he says, everyone is committed to helping each other become the best family medicine physicians they can be. He’s also thankful for his cohort of supportive residents, who help each other grow personally and professionally.
Dr. Hood says that his cohort regularly checks in with each other, whether through quick texts or more intense heart-to-hearts, and the advice he offers his fellow residents is to make sure they are prioritizing their health.
“Our jobs are to focus on the health of others, so our own health and well-being can get brushed to the side. You will be the best version of yourself as a doctor if you prioritize your own physical and mental health. As one of our attendings, Dr. Kirk, likes to say, ‘You can’t pour from an empty cup.’”
Outside of work, Dr. Hood “fills his cup” by staying active, exploring all of DC’s amazing parks and museums with his wife, and discovering new area restaurants.
In health care, mentorship is crucial for professional and personal growth. Mentors have a multifaceted role for trainees, including improving knowledge and skills, shaping attitudes, helping to achieve goals, developing professional networks, and promoting well-being.
Successful mentoring provides adequate support while also challenging the mentee, as this leads to a growth mindset. Mentorship aims to provide support in three domains:
Considering the time constraints and diverse needs of mentees, modern mentorship models can significantly enhance their growth. Speed mentoring offers mentees the chance to connect with multiple experts in a short timeframe, receiving tailored advice about specific challenges while gaining diverse perspectives on a single issue or question. Meanwhile, peer and group mentoring fosters structured discussions around shared work-related topics, simultaneously building a professional network enriched by insights from individuals at varying career stages.
Practical strategies for mentors:
Practical strategies for mentees:
Subha Ramani, Rashmi A. Kusurkar, Johnny Lyon-Maris, Eeva Pyörälä, GaryD. Rogers, Dujeepa D. Samarasekera, David C.M Taylor & Olle ten Cate (2024) Mentorship inhealth professions education – an AMEE guide for mentors and mentees: AMEE Guide No. 167, Medical Teacher, 46:8, 999-1011, DOI: 10.1080/0142159X.2023.2273217
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!”
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.
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:
Managing stress amid the chaos
Between work responsibilities and personal obligations, the holidays can feel like a whirlwind. To manage stress effectively:
Finding joy and meaning
While challenges may arise, the holidays can also be an opportunity to find moments of joy and connection.
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.
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
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.”
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.
Liz Joseph, Senior Director, HR Lead
Most residents and fellows know Liz (Senior Director, HR Lead) as the primary contact for HR, benefits, and payroll questions, as well as for the GME Parental, Caregiver, and Medical Leave program. She is often recognized for sending timely reminder emails about important deadlines.
Liz has lived in Alexandria, Virginia for more than 20 years, up the east coast from Miami where she spent most of her early years.
Her path into healthcare began unexpectedly after meeting someone from MGUH at a wedding. With a background in advertising, the world of GME was new to her, but she embraced it, starting as a GME Coordinator at MGUH and working her way up to Senior Director. Liz is passionate about supporting residents and fellows at this exciting stage of their careers.
“I love working with residents and fellows,” she says. “It is such an exciting time in their career. I hope that the GME leadership team helps them feel comfortable and at ease as they embark on their career journey.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work is onboarding interns. While it’s a busy time of year, it’s also one of the most exciting. Meeting the interns in person at orientation, after months of preparation, and seeing their enthusiasm as they begin their training is what makes the effort truly worthwhile.
Liz knows HR plays an important role in a thriving GME program. Her team oversees the entire employment lifecycle for residents and fellows, from hiring to graduation. They begin the onboarding process several months before the start date, ensuring smooth transitions into training programs without delay. This includes conducting background checks, drug screenings, visa processing, and handling payroll, benefits, and wellness support.
Her success at MedStar Health is largely attributed to the collaborative and experienced GME team, many of whom have been with the department for more than 15 years. This collective expertise and teamwork ensure that goals are met, and the department functions smoothly.
Her perseverance is evident outside of work, too. Liz has completed three marathons: Marine Corps, Chicago, and the Nashville Rock and Roll Marathon.
