BOSS Business of Surgery Series Amy Vertrees, MD

The latest BOSS podcast features Dr. Valerie Libby, a fertility doctor and reproductive endocrinologist. We talked about how it is never too early to talk about fertility.   She discusses her personal experience with egg freezing during her residency and the importance of fertility preservation for surgical residents.   Dr. Libby shares details about a program she started at Shady Grove Fertility to provide discounted egg freezing services specifically for surgical residents, as studies have shown they have a higher burden of infertility due to the demanding nature of their training.   We also talked about how egg freezing works, the legal implications surrounding embryos and more.


Visit the Shady Grove Fertility website and look up the 'Egg Freezing for Surgical Residents' program to find contact information and express interest in participating.

 

Valerie Libby, MD, MPH, FACOG  is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and board eligible in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. She has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility, including polycystic ovary syndrome, male factor infertility, and ovarian aging. She is also accomplished in the areas of fertility preservation and elective egg freezing. 

 

Dr. Libby joined Shady Grove Fertility in September 2020 and is seeing patients at SGF's Atlanta – Northside and Buckhead locations.   

Follow her @valerielibbymd on Instagram 

Egg Freezing for Surgical Residents Program: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/treatments/egg-freezing/surgical-residents-program/ and email ResidentEggFreezing@USFertility.com 

 

Summary

This episode discusses advice for new attending physicians starting at a new practice. It covers topics such as building relationships with colleagues and the community, understanding the practice's expectations, seeking mentorship, negotiating contracts, and handling job transitions or losses. The key points include:- Doing due diligence when choosing a job to ensure the practice aligns with expectations and can support the desired specialty.- Being willing to say 'yes' to tasks outside one's specialty initially to build relationships and establish a patient base.- Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues, former attendings, or specialty organizations for guidance.- Thoroughly reviewing employment contracts, understanding exit clauses, and negotiating favorable terms.- Maintaining professionalism and building trust with the local community to attract patient referrals.- Preparing for potential job changes or losses by understanding contract terms and having a support system.- Exploring entrepreneurial pursuits like podcasting to combat burnout and find fulfillment outside clinical practice.The discussion provides valuable insights for new attendings navigating the challenges of starting a medical practice and building a successful career.

 

Link to her article:https://www.medicaleconomics.com/view/the-ftc-s-noncompete-rule-is-a-concerning-development-for-physicians

 

 

Are you falling into these traps:


I have to keep doing what I was doing because I trained all this time
I have to give up on the life that I want because I had kids
Not taking into account that your life and interests change
Feel obligated to serve others even though we are burning out

The idea of a modern day village comes in because some people don't really have anyone to tell what is going on with them or if they tell someone else, they will not get the response that they need. Being intentional about finding and creating that village, especially as a new mother, can help to make sure that you are not alone.

"And at the end of the day,  you have to be willing to step outside of the guilt and the shame that may be there and, use your voice to get the love and support and the care that you deserve."

“I really just had to realize that I needed to take care of myself and not wait for anybody else to do it. I need to set the example. And I also need to speak up about what I need and let people take care of me.”

"It all comes back to, am I really serving anyone, myself, my patients, if I am not happy and I'm not fulfilled and the answer is no." - Dr. Latoya Luces- Sampson

Geoff McNeave's journey into the world of surgical assistance started with a volunteering job at a hospital during high school and progressed to starting his own company as a surgical (first) assist. We talked about the difference between surgical technicians and surgical assistants, with surgical assistants being trained to provide more hands-on assistance to surgeons during operations.There is lack of standardization and licensing requirements for surgical assistants across different states and organizations, which Geoff aims to address through advocacy and education.We highlighted the importance of surgical assistants in anticipating surgeons' needs, ensuring patient safety, and streamlining procedures. He shared the various employment models for surgical assistants, including being hired by hospitals, contracting with surgical groups, or running an independent practice. He noted the challenges faced by surgical assistants in terms of recognition, compensation, and billing practices, particularly due to the lack of licensing and regulation. Geoff has been a leader in advocating for mandatory certification, educational standards, and licensure for surgical assistants through organizations like the Association of Surgical Assistants.Overall, the conversation highlights the crucial role of surgical assistants in the operating room and the need for greater professionalism, standardization, and recognition of their skills and training.

I wish that they (doctors) knew the struggles that we have to go to to be professionally recognized in the surgical suite. We show up, we do our job, we care for your patients, but on the outside of things, we also struggle with recognition. - Geoff McNeave

In this episode, you will be able to:



Discover the crucial role and impact of surgical assistants on patient safety and surgical outcomes.



Learn about the essential training and certification paths for professional advancement as a surgical assistant.



Understand the clear distinctions between surgical technologists and surgical assistants in the operating room.



Uncover the prevalent challenges in achieving accreditation for surgical assistant programs and how to address them.



Explore the various employment models available for surgical assistants and their implications for career growth and satisfaction.



Explore the essential training Geoff highlights the need for standardized education and accreditation for surgical assistants. The discussion emphasizes the importance of formal training, professional standards, and accreditation to ensure that surgical assistants are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support surgeons effectively. Exploring the essential training for surgical assistants is key to enhancing patient safety and advancing the profession.

The resources mentioned in this episode are:



Association of Surgical Assistance (ASA) - This organization advocates for education standards, licensure, and registration for surgical assistants. They work with lobbyists and have legal initiatives in various states to push for recognition and regulation of the profession.



National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) - This organization offers the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) title and provides accreditation for surgical assistants.



National Surgical Assistance Association (NSAA) - NSAA holds the title of Certified Surgical Assistant and provides accreditation for surgical assistants. They also advocate for education requirements, certification, and licensure for surgical assistants nationwide.

This is a transcript of a podcast episode featuring Dr. Nabilah Noor, a urogynecologist, discussing the lessons she learned in developing her practice after completing her fellowship. The key topics covered include understanding compensation models and revenue generation, effective time management strategies, maximizing efficiency in the operating room, building a strong professional network, and achieving work-life balance. Dr. Noor shares her insights on leveraging her team, delegating tasks, pre-planning for clinic and surgery days, communicating clearly with staff, and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout. The conversation highlights the importance of adapting to the specific needs and resources of one's practice environment while maintaining focus on providing quality patient care.

Chapters
00:01:28Introduction and Background
The host, Dr. Amy Vertings, introduces the guest, Dr. Nabilah Noor, a urogynecologist employed in a large hospital network. Dr. Noor shares her educational and training background, including medical school at Duke University, residency at Mount Sinai, and fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She explains her decision to join her current practice, driven by the desire to maintain a busy surgical volume and operate regularly.

00:06:32Lesson 1: Understanding Compensation Models and Revenue Generation
Dr. Noor discusses the importance of understanding the compensation model in her practice, which is based on relative value units (RVUs) and revenue generation. She learned to identify the revenue-generating activities, such as surgical cases, and prioritize seeing patients who could potentially convert to surgery. Dr. Noor worked closely with her team, including physician assistants and schedulers, to streamline the patient flow and ensure efficient use of resources.

00:21:00Lesson 2: Effective Time Management
Dr. Noor shares her strategies for effective time management, including pre-planning clinic notes, utilizing downtime between surgeries, and dedicating specific times for administrative tasks. She emphasizes the importance of not taking work home and maintaining a work-life balance. Dr. Noor also highlights the value of leveraging her team's skills and delegating tasks to the appropriate personnel.

00:29:27Lesson 3: Maximizing Efficiency in the Operating Room
Dr. Noor discusses her approach to maximizing efficiency in the operating room, which involves pre-planning surgeries, visualizing potential challenges, and ensuring the availability of necessary instruments and equipment. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication with the surgical team and requesting specific staff members who work well with her to streamline the process. Dr. Noor also highlights the value of remaining calm and in control during challenging situations.

00:35:10Lesson 4: Building a Strong Professional Network and Collaboration
Dr. Noor emphasizes the importance of building a strong professional network and collaborating with colleagues from various specialties. She discusses the value of clear communication, setting boundaries, and accommodating each other's schedules when working on combined cases. Dr. Noor also acknowledges the support of her family, including her husband and parents, in helping her balance her professional and personal responsibilities.

00:41:45Closing Remarks
Dr. Noor concludes by encouraging surgeons not to give up on their careers due to burnout or workplace challenges. She emphasizes the importance of adapting to different practice models and environments while maintaining confidence in one's abilities. Dr. Noor expresses her willingness to share her experiences and insights with others in the field.

Action Items

00:07:24Understand the compensation model and identify revenue-generating activities to prioritize in your practice.
00:23:31Implement effective time management strategies, such as pre-planning clinic notes, utilizing downtime, and delegating tasks to appro