UW Health’s Post

On this episode of BackTableOBGYN: Dr. Komal Bajaj, a professor of OBGYN at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, reproductive geneticist, and Chief Quality Officer at NYC Health and Hospitals Jacobi North Central Bronx, discusses the importance of quality and safety in OBGYN and medicine as a whole. The episode begins with Dr. Bajaj explaining that quality and safety involves measurement, performance improvement, safety culture, regulation, accreditation, and data transparency and literacy. It is labor intensive and expensive to fulfill reporting requirements. Some of these requirements are from measures that the community says matter, some are from regulator bodies, and others are measures that we as physicians care about. Additionally, patient reported outcomes reiterate the need for joint decision making between patients and providers. Next, Dr. Bajaj explains the concept of diagnostic excellence, which is the timely and accurate explanation of someone's problem in a way that they understand. A lot of the “system design” of healthcare is physician centered (such as working around doctor's schedules, MRI/US availability, etc), which can lead to a delay in diagnosis. Prompt diagnosis and joint decision making can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Dr. Bajaj then discusses with host, Dr. Mark Hoffman, the culture of medicine and the challenges of implementing change. She encourages those to speak up about problems and do research to figure out why it's happening and what can be done. OBGYNs are especially equipped to weigh in on quality and safety matters due to the extensive experience we have in all areas of healthcare including surgery, clinic, labor, and patients of all ages. Finally, the doctors discuss how working within quality and safety ultimately saves money due to better health outcomes and screenings for early diagnoses. The future of quality and safety within the healthcare system is aimed at a re-emphasis on patient safety and the environmental impact of healthcare delivery. Listen at the link below to learn more! https://lnkd.in/g9Ns-du5 Also listen on  Apple: https://lnkd.in/gk_-rfbW Spotify: https://lnkd.in/ge8smMUC Google: https://lnkd.in/gzUNE2DB #MedEd #OBGYN #safety #quality #healthcare #system #leadership Komal Bajaj Susan Gross, MD Jordana A. Bailey, MSS,MBA,FAEH, FABC Camille A. Clare MD MPH CPE FACOG (she/her/hers) Rollin J "Terry" Fairbanks Amy Park, MD Aaron Fritts MD Mark R. Hoffman, MD Ness Smith-Savedoff American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) NYC Health + Hospitals Matthew Levy John D Paulson Kelly Wright, MD, FACOG, FACS

Congratulations to Elsevier book editors Pere Clave (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Instituto de Salud Carlos III) and Omar Ortega (Hospital de Mataro, CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III) for the publication of "A Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Swallowing Dysfunction in Older People." This new book provides a comprehensive examination of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) within the geriatric context. Key Features: 🔍 Thorough coverage of swallowing impairments in older adults 🔍 Exploration of OD as a newly classified geriatric syndrome 🔍 State-of-the-art research on pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, ethics, and potential complications Whether you seek to refine your clinical practice or engage in translational research, this publication provides essential knowledge and tools for effectively managing OD in older patient populations. Secure your copy today and enhance your approach to addressing swallowing dysfunction in the elderly. #GeriatricHealth #DysphagiaResearch #HealthcareInnovation

Good advice on whistleblowing: 1. Don’t do it on your own 2. Methodically collect evidence & present your case to someone capable of acting on the concerns 3. Educate yourself 4. Don’t take assurance of support on face value

Innovation leads to improved quality, safety, and equity. Moving the needle on obstetrics, neonatal care, hypertension, diabetes, and more. And a reminder that there is risk in not embracing innovation and change! #hit #innovationinhealthcare #qualityhealthcare

In this installment of “Begin Your Journey,” Colin P. West, MD, PhD, talks with host Scott A. MacDiarmid, MD, FRCPSC, about how he came to study physician burnout. https://bit.ly/43dIYlt

Patient-provider relationships are critically important. And research shows that there is always room for improvement. In fact, new research poses the question: Do better outcomes from female doctors signal a need for more empathy? Researchers propose that yes, the improved outcomes seen in care led by female physicians may be attributed to the empathy they often bring to their interactions with patients. Learn more. https://lnkd.in/g7jRvcAx

Dr. Linda Lawrence and Dr. Andrea Austin founded Revitalize Women Physician Circle to increase women physician fulfillment in their careers. As two emergency physicians, they recognized what this article showed: a little more than half of women emergency physicians would recommend their specialty again, and even in the specialties with the highest satisfaction, there is still a lot that wouldn't go into medicine or surgery again. The Revitalize mission is focused on increasing respect, work-life harmony, and authenticity in medicine to transform the culture to support the thriving of all doctors. While there are a lot of women physician groups out there, there is no group like Revitalize that connects women physician and surgeons around the globe, across specialties, phases of career, and interest groups. An interconnected community is necessary to have a fulfilling career, and we're excited for Revitalize to be a community that uplifts and empowers women physicians. Learn more about Revitalize: https://buff.ly/3GGkw3C #revitalizewomenphysicians #womeninmedicine #femalephysicians #healthcareequity

New article: "Cardiomyopathy-Associated Hospital Admissions Among Methamphetamine Users: Geographical and Social Disparities" from my lab published in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology." Methamphetamine is an emerging drug threat. The disparity in cardiomyopathy-associated hospital admissions among methamphetamine users (CAHMA) over the decade remains unknown. CAHMA have increased significantly in the United States. Men, Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asian, age groups 41 to 64 and western regions showed a higher proportional increase highlighting gender-based, racial/ethnic, and regional disparities. https://lnkd.in/g8FqcdeR #Methamphetamine #Hospital #admissions #addiction #cardiovasculardisease #cardiomyopathy #disparities

For far too long, women have been treated as a subset of healthcare, taking a backseat to male physiology in every aspect from medical training, clinical trials, disease research and diagnosis to pain management and therapeutic development. Yet 51% of the United States population is female! No one’s health is one-size-fits-all, especially women’s health. There are many conditions that pertain primarily to women. But even general health issues that affect both genders, like cardiovascular disease, are characterized by gender-based bias in care. This new study is yet another wakeup call to women to take control of their health, educate themselves about their body, especially how heart attack symptoms are unique to women. And find a physician who will treat you as the unique human being you are. https://lnkd.in/eaT4zcVd

🧠🌱 Navigating the Neurohormonal Landscape of Obesity: Insights & Hope Diving deep into the science behind obesity reveals a complex interplay of genetics, neurochemistry, and societal attitudes. Yet, amidst the challenges, there's hope on the horizon. Host Dr. Mark Bonta had an enlightening conversation with Dr. Sean Wharton on Episode 4 of the Ditch The Lab Coat podcast, where they delved into the cutting-edge research and compassionate approach to tackling obesity. From understanding the role of hormones like ghrelin in driving hunger to developing innovative treatments like GLP-1 agonists, the field of obesity medicine is rapidly evolving. Bariatric surgery offers another avenue, reshaping the landscape of weight management by targeting neurochemical pathways. But it's not just about the science—it's about shifting societal attitudes towards obesity. Stigma and bias only exacerbate the problem, leading to internalized shame and hindering progress. As parents and caregivers, it's crucial to foster a culture of love, acceptance, and self-compassion, regardless of weight. 🔗 Listen to the episode for an in-depth discussion with Obesity expert and Internist, Dr. Sean Wharton: https://lnkd.in/dYNjpAKs In our quest for solutions, let's embrace a holistic approach that combines cutting-edge science with empathy and understanding. By reframing the conversation and empowering individuals to take charge of their health, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future. Together, let's change the narrative around obesity and build a world where everyone can thrive. #ObesityAwareness #Neuroscience #HealthEquity #Empowerment #Hope