This episode of 'The Patient Physician’ features Virginia Simmons, director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB. Virginia shares her 30-year journey in the GME arena, highlighting the unique structure and success of UTMB’s GME programs. The discussion covers the comprehensive support system for residents, fellows, and their families, emphasizing wellness programs and community involvement. Virginia discusses the balance of maintaining a structured yet caring environment and the importance of personal connections. The podcast also explores the utility of serving others, maintaining personal wellness, and innovative approaches to onboarding new residents and fellows. Gain insights into strategic efforts aimed at recruiting high-quality doctors and the significance of human connections in medical education.
This episode of 'The Patient Physician’ features Virginia Simmons, director of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB. Virginia shares her 30-year journey in the GME arena, highlighting the unique structure and success of UTMB’s GME programs. The discussion covers the comprehensive support system for residents, fellows, and their families, emphasizing wellness programs and community involvement. Virginia discusses the balance of maintaining a structured yet caring environment and the importance of personal connections. The podcast also explores the utility of serving others, maintaining personal wellness, and innovative approaches to onboarding new residents and fellows. Gain insights into strategic efforts aimed at recruiting high-quality doctors and the significance of human connections in medical education.
MEET OUR GUEST - VIRGINIA SIMMONS, Administrative Director for Graduate Medical Education at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
Virginia has served as the administrative director of all aspects of Graduate Medical Education (GME) at UTMB for over 30 years. In collaboration with the Associate Dean of GME, Virginia works as a liaison, developing and maintaining communication and relationships with other entities locally and nationally. This includes overseeing the budget, institutional office and personnel, GME credentialing, and accreditation of all programs and house staff. Connect with Virginia via email at vsimmons@utmb.edu.
TIME STAMPS:
00:00 Welcome
00:08 Spotlight on Virginia Simmons and Her Role in GME
00:57 Exploring the Success of GME Programs
04:01 The Importance of Care Beyond Protocols in GME
05:36 Celebrating Resident and Fellow Appreciation
08:56 Enhancing Onboarding with Orientation and Vendor Expos
13:02 Incorporating Spouses and Families into the GME Community
17:09 Personal Touch and Support in Challenging Times
23:33 A Day in the Life: Juggling Personal and Professional Crises
25:49 The Essence of Being Human in Healthcare
27:32 Going Beyond the Call of Duty: Stories of Leadership and Compassion
30:29 Elevating Training Programs: The Importance of Staying Human
39:06 Innovative Approaches to Supporting Staff and Trainees
42:31 Concluding Thoughts: Staying Competitive by Staying Human