I am Chair of the Department of Pediatrics, Medical Director of St. John’s Children’s Hospital and Interim CMO of the SIU School of Medicine. I cover a few days each month on our inpatient service. Those make very busy days but the interactions with patients, families and learners brings me energy and joy.

I used to think that is was just about treating everyone the same. That is important but it is not enough. I don’t mean treating groups of people differently but being mindful and aware of how you treat everyone. Being thoughtful on how you bring opportunities to others. Understanding the goals of all that that you work with. We all have implicit biases. I hope that I challenge myself to face my biases and I hope that I listen carefully to others when they challenge my biases.

In 2014 I was chair of the national PHM Conference. Diverse group of presenters was our goal. We went to much more submitted and peer reviewed content. Only a couple of invited speakers with the exception of plenary talks. The gender, racial, geographical diversity of the presenters improved. The exception of plenary talks was the issue. The planning committee was more women than men. We planned great plenary sessions. They were well received. But, and this is a big one, all of our plenary speakers were male. We did not even notice this until it was pointed out. That moment has led to much self-reflection. Advocacy and sponsorship while being mindful and aware is essential in supporting the professional growth of our women colleagues.

I enjoy exploring new wines and local and regional beers. However a cold Budweiser or Bud Light while watching a baseball game, in person, on a hot summer day is hard to beat for me. Hopefully we will all find the moments that we have missed for the past year again soon.