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Physician Focus Group Summary (continued)
Medical training, for the most part, is lacking any
real focus on how the community and culture impact the way
individuals choose to make health decisions. Nor does
medical training provide physicians awareness in broader
health issues as often perceived by a community, such as
safe streets or quality schools. Medical students shared
experiences they were involved with that included community
health. The students indicated that any experiences they
had were the result of volunteering their time, not part
of their actual curriculum. Many of the medical students
who participated in the focus groups had both a public health
and medical interest. The students indicated that while
their public health background provided the focus for population
health, it was their volunteer community health activities
that put a face to the population.
Physicians at all stages of their training and practice
were very vocal about what working in and with their communities
has taught them. Many shared experiences that helped
them learn patience and understanding. They felt they acquired
better listening skills. Those with the greatest experience
also described their learning to "not be in charge".
They shared that this was something they had not learned
in medical school. Working with community and patient groups
required them to understand more how groups work, and that
community health efforts took time. Especially if they were
going to be involved in a local collaboration, these were
not activities in which change was seen overnight. Young
physicians also expressed the importance of maintaining
balance in their lives. Balance had three prongs - family,
practice and community. Each participant shared stories
of how their time in the community, whether big or small,
served to "recharge" their batteries and rekindled
their commitment to being a physician.
Retired physicians shared both examples of community
involvement and concerns about some of these activities.
Although viewed as the group with the most time, many
were reluctant to become involved in activities drawing
on clinical practice. While a few shared experiences volunteering
in community or public clinics, most were reluctant to do
so, fearing liability concerns and not being current with
the standard of medical practice. Several retired physicians
shared an idea where the county medical society could serve
as the local job resource bank for physicians interested
in volunteering in the community and their interests and
skills. In this way, groups could match their needs with
physician's interests and time availability. It was recommended
that this idea be shared with medical society executives
to determine how this could be established throughout California.
Physician Community Health Champions
Many physicians are giving their time to their communities;
giving back in a way that makes a difference in the lives
of those they touch. We would like to share with you the stories
of three of these community champions - Barbara Staggers,
MD, Cesar Aristeiguieta, MD and Elliot Shubin, MD. Please
read their stories below.
A video was also developed to share the stories of three
physicians who have made an impact in their communities as
well. The video highlights the impact that physicians, working
in collaboration with others can have in their communities.
Click here to view video
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