Learning from Patients, Mentors and Peers with Dr. Amanda Clark

Amanda Clark, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine and an Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency Program at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Clark completed her medical school degree at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine and went on to the University of Alabama at Birmingham for residency and chief residency. She also serves as the Associate Vice Chair for Communications, Development, and Technology in the Department of Medicine. She is the advisor for the Resident Wellness Committee and Co-Director of the Clinician Educator Track. She practices inpatient and outpatient medicine and has been awarded several teaching awards, including All-Star Teacher three years in a row by the Evers Medical Student Society and Teacher of the Year in 2018. Dr. Clark offers us important wisdom in how to develop the essential skill sets for a successful career. First, the patient emerges again as the center-point of practice. Dr. Clark offers a simple yet novel approach of including the patient in decision-making processes. Other points of wisdom discussed in this episode are on how to successfully approach mentorships, engaging in shared and vulnerable reflection with your peers, and developing communication and emotional intelligence skills. Today, we will learn from a role-model who demonstrates competence and fulfillment in her practice. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Time spent outside the patient's room is better spent inside while including the patient in the decision making process - This will not just save time but also lead to better decisions for the patient. 2. Define the roles of each of your mentoring relationships. Define your goals and approach each mentoring conversation with an agenda in order to optimize it. 3. To combat physician burnout, have sessions of reflection with your peers. Share with them the events that affect you and create a welcoming environment for others to do the same with you. 4. The three predictors of success as a physician - Emotional intelligence, Growth mindset and Good communication skills - They can be best developed by seeing as many patients as we can and taking each of those interactions as a learning experience.