Personally, the CHC residency allowed me to resolve a career path conflict: pursue a more academic focus in medicine and leave CHC, or remain without an academic focus. I chose a third option: to make a new residency within the CHC. In addition to my time as program director, I continue a robust clinical practice. The only hesitancy I had in taking on the program director role was relinquishing patient care time, specifically with the patients and families I’ve known for 15 years. I have a clinic two days a week at the Oquirrh View Community Health Center, and I’ve performed 150 deliveries, newborn care and Cesarean Sections for CHC at LDS Hospital and University of Utah Medical Center. What’s changed for me is that my entire practice now involves medical students and residents in family medicine and OB/GYN. In delving into graduate medical education within the health center, I have taken an active role in workforce development in our state. The Heart of Family Medicine In my role creating the residency program, I’ve met people in medical education from across the country, offering plenty of opportunities to reflect on why I chose family medicine. Choosing your specialty is deeply personal, and the “why” might vary among individuals, but one statement to me epitomizes family medicine: Family medicine constantly challenges and energizes physicians who are comfortable with complexity and thrive on patient relationships at the heart of medicine. This has certainly been true for me and my career. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SPECIALTY • Primary care is most patients’ initial interaction with the health care system. • Primary care physicians must build trust, understand all factors that influence health and apply comprehensive medical expertise to improve their patients’ health and well-being. • Family physicians’ broad scope of training allows them to engage in a wide range of care for various patient populations regardless of age, gender or health need. • Family physicians are the only primary care physicians to practice pregnancy care and obstetrics. • Every person deserves a family physician. While our specialty is incredibly important and rewarding, we must acknowledge that it also poses significant challenges. But the world needs us, and we need medical students to pursue family medicine. These challenges are opportunities to improve the practice of medicine, healthcare delivery and equitable access to care. Family First While I’m proud of my career as a family physician, as a wise friend says, “Your job will never love you back.” Family first. I’m joined on this life journey by my wife, Dana (for 18 years now), our sons Gus (13) and Charlie (10) and our doodle dog Murphy. We enjoy a wide variety of activities with a large network of friends — our Utah family. 25
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