BCM Family will share insight from faculty on the culture of professionalism at Baylor College of Medicine, starting with this post by Dr. Tamara Ortiz-Perez, associate professor of radiology and breast imaging fellowship program director and a faculty senator. She provides care at the Breast Care Center at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.
When I was a little girl, people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I would enthusiastically reply: I want to be a doctor so I can help people feel better! I’ve always had a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of my community through what I now call “The Big Three”: thoughts, words and actions. Given that the latter two are things that we externalize, it is easier for people to think about how they immediately affect those around us. But unless we share our thoughts through written or spoken communication, no one can see or hear what we are thinking. Thanks to the valuable educational activities sponsored by the Center for Professionalism at Baylor, I am constantly reminded of how our thoughts have a profound and direct impact on how we behave.
Events such as Grand Rounds, training workshops, professionalism breakfasts and The Threads Among Us project are just a few examples that offer a glimpse of the Center’s important contributions. Thanks to the breadth and depth of its efforts, the Center is able to effectively provide their participants with key tools and strategies that can be implemented to promote a culture of safety, collegiality and collaboration.
I have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of the Center’s events and I have never been disappointed. Through timely topics and amazing speakers, every session helps fill my cup with hope and gratitude! But they also give me the wonderful opportunity to connect with others in the College, many of which I would have the opportunity to meet in the course of our regular day-to-day responsibilities. A perfect example of this was a program called Professionalism and Engagement Elevating Physician and Scientist Satisfaction (PEEPSS). This networking program, which piloted in 2018, was one of the components of the Physician and Scientist Satisfaction Initiative of the Center. These sessions provided all participants with the space and opportunity to meet other members of the College, allowing us to learn from each other and hear different perspectives and ideas from colleagues. Participating in this program has been one of the most meaningful experiences I have had while at Baylor. I was able to meet a group of amazing professionals, have a forum where we could exchange ideas about how to improve clinician engagement and build my referral network at the same time. These sessions allowed me to build meaningful relationships that still play a very important part in my life, both personally and professionally.
I am extremely grateful for the knowledge and skills gained as a result of attending the sessions provided by the Center for Professionalism, because they allow me to better serve my patients and my colleagues. I am also grateful for the opportunity to connect with other people in the College, share experiences and develop lasting relationships. I have benefitted tremendously from these opportunities and I would like to encourage everyone at Baylor College of Medicine to learn more about the Center and all the activities it offers.
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