Being Fearless with Dr. Stephanie Call

Stephanie Call, MD, is the Associate Chair for Education and a Professor of Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, and recently started a new Internal medicine Residency Program at Mountain Area Health Education Center in North Carolina. Dr. Call is widely recognized for her work in graduate medical education, faculty/resident development in teaching, physician wellness and curriculum development/assessment. She has been awarded the Distinguished Medical Educator Award from the Association of Program Directors in Internal Medicine, the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and the Gold Foundation Baldwin Award. Dr. Stephanie Call is fearless when it comes to change. Because she’s realized that change is simply an opportunity for growth. And when we dare to be fearless, the rewards are insurmountable. She believes mentors play a crucial role in supporting us in our endeavors, as long as we hold up our end of the bargain by saying “yes” to opportunity—even when it scares us. She reminds us that everything is less daunting when we break things down into one step at a time. And especially when we remind ourselves that each step we take is a step forward—toward growth. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Change and failure both present new learning opportunities. And fearlessness is the essential prerequisite for embracing change. 2. When you make a decision, ask three critical questions: How important is this for me? Does this align with my core values? Is this environment conducive to my health? 3. The role of the mentor is to identify talent, and support them. The role of the mentee is to be willing to take risks, to be fearless, and to say yes to new opportunities.