Archive for category: People Profiles

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!”

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.”

Jeffrey Breton, MD, (PGY 4; Neurological Surgery)

Jeffrey Breton, MD, (PGY 4; Neurological Surgery) was recently elected as one of the newest members to MedStar Health’s Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC), the team of residents and administrators that oversees the system’s many residency and fellowship programs.

Dr. Breton hopes to use his GMEC role to help fellow residents maximize valuable education time while respecting their needs as humans and providing an equitable and fulfilling workplace.

“There are many competing pressures on residents to be productive clinically and academically, with the expectation of somehow simultaneously mastering a specialty, possibly securing a fellowship, and trying to live your life outside of the hospital,” Dr. Breton explains.

He says his co-residents—whom he describes as “a source of knowledge, support, occasional commiseration, and friendship”—have been an immense help in managing these pressures. He also credits the neurosurgery faculty with taking a keen interest in their learners’ education and well-being and helping them succeed.

To incoming residents, Dr. Breton suggests a practical solution for juggling competing priorities: “Organization is paramount. With inspiration from one of the senior residents, I developed a color-coded organizational system to make sure I knew which consults I needed to call, drains I needed to pull, orders I needed to place, and consults to see and staff.” With a system like this in place, he says he’s been able focus more of his energy on learning medicine and taking care of patients.

Outside of the hospital, Dr. Breton tries to set boundaries and make space for the activities he enjoys most, like reading; hiking; following his favorite baseball teams, the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants; honing his musical talents on the guitar, piano, and ukulele; and spending time with his co-residents, friends, and fiancée.

A fellow at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI), a part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Dr. Breton often thinks about how healthcare might change in the future. CMMI develops and implements models for new and innovative forms of healthcare delivery. “These alternative payment models revise the incentive structure with the goal of improving quality or decreasing cost while keeping an eye towards addressing health inequities,” he explains. “In the future, I expect that there will be a larger role for quality and outcome-based metrics for public and private payers than there is today.”

Katherine Lewis, DO, (PGY 2; Family Medicine)

Katherine Lewis, DO, (PGY 2; Family Medicine) is a dedicated Family Medicine physician at MedStar Franklin Square in Baltimore, MD. Originally from Columbia in Howard County, Maryland, Dr. Lewis is excited to be practicing medicine in her home state. Her passion for medicine began early on, driven by a desire to interact with people daily and serve her community.

“Medicine was the only career I ever considered because I had always wanted a job where I could interact with people daily and serve my community,” she says. “I love that everyone is their own puzzle with a thousand different solutions, and it’s our job to find the best solutions to the puzzle that fits the patient’s goals.”

Dr. Lewis was drawn to family medicine because of the continuity of care it offers and the opportunity to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system. She values being a central point of support for her patients and providing holistic, patient-centered care.

At MedStar Health, Dr. Lewis credits her success to the support of her colleagues, including her fellow residents and attending physicians, who provide mentorship and encouragement. Outside of work, she prioritizes her well-being by staying active with the Canton Run Club, kayaking, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets, Riggins and Rory.

As a prospective member of the System GMEC (Graduate Medical Education Committee), Katherine strives to make a difference. She is an advocate for positive change that enhances the resident experience at MedStar. She is approachable, open to feedback, and committed to being a team player. Her focus includes improving resident safety, wellness, and creative supportive spaces, ensuring that residents can thrive both personally and professionally.

Dr. Lewis envisions a future healthcare system that is more accessible and supportive for all patients, without the barriers that currently limit access to necessary care and treatments. When she’s not focused on medicine, she enjoys exercising, cooking, and planning her upcoming wedding.