1. Can you tell us about your background?
I am a native of Nebraska. I attended Hastings College and received my medical degree from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine. I completed my psychiatry residency at the University of Iowa and was recruited to join the faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Tulsa in 1998. I have served on the faculty since then and have held numerous roles including serving 10 years as the Psychiatry Residency Training Director and Director of the OU Psychiatry Consult Service at Saint Francis’s Hospital, over two years as Interim Dean of the OU School of Community Medicine and, since 2008, as Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry. Locally, I have previously served as the President of the Tulsa Psychiatric Association and the Oklahoma Psychiatric Physicians Association. And, nationally, I served as the President of the American Association of Chairs of Departments of Psychiatry.
2. Who has inspired, helped, or guided you through medical school, residency, and/or your career as a physician?
I have been supported and mentored by many people throughout my education and career. My family, my husband, and many instructors have been influential throughout my life. There have also been several challenges that have helped me develop resilience and perseverance. A poignant phrase directed to me from my high school speech teacher to, “rise to the occasion” has been applicable over and over throughout my career. Dr. Bill Yates who served as my supervising physician and residency training director at the University of Iowa, then as my boss when he was Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma School of Community Medicine, served as my mentor at a very important time in my development as a new faculty physician. He helped me launch my early research interests including developing clinical trials and writing scholarly publications. Additionally, his faith in my administrative abilities led to me holding several leadership positions throughout my career.
3. Can you share any personal hobbies or interests that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance?
My ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance has been in large part thanks to my husband who was willing and able to put his career on hold and stay home when our boys were growing up. This allowed me to focus on work when I needed to, and to focus on family life the rest of the time. Together, we have also prioritized our family, the boys’ education and extracurricular activities (my husband coaching all their sports at one time or another), and our faith. We regularly attend church and, over the years, have taught Sunday School and supported youth and adult church groups. I am also a cat lover and enjoy outdoor activities such as walking and gardening.
4. What helps your productivity at work?
Stress management is vitally important. For me, this includes: daily grounding with reading the Bible, prayer, spending time with my husband, listening to calming music such as smooth jazz, getting a decent amount of sleep and regular exercise. Trying to say, “yes/no” to the right things is important. I keep a notebook that functions as a planner, to-do-list, and meeting record - it helps me stay on track.
5. What are your main goals and priorities as the physician president of our organization?
One of my top priorities while serving as president of the TCMS is to advocate for physician led patient care. Having served as a medical educator my entire career, I understand the importance of proper medical education and residency training in developing physicians with the requisite knowledge and critical thinking skills to accurately diagnose and treat patients. At a minimum, patients should know the qualifications of the person providing their healthcare. The Tulsa County Medical Society, along with the Oklahoma State Medical Association, are uniquely positioned to advocate for physician led care and educate our legislators of the importance of medical education and residency training. I encourage all our members to prioritize this effort which can be accomplished daily by educating our neighbors and friends.
6. If you were not a physician, what career or field of interest would you have pursued?
This is a fun question, and one I really don’t think about, because I love what I do! But, other careers that I considered prior to medical school included accounting, banking, and genetic counseling. Now, having worked as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist for many years, I think I may have enjoyed a career as a detective!
7. What’s your favorite travel destination?
My husband and I recently took a 2 ½ week trip to Italy and the surrounding areas. We spent 4 days in Rome and were astounded by the beauty and antiquity of the area! Some of my other favorite places include Marco Island, Florida and Disneyland in California!
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