We talked to Dr. Julian Macedo, attending physician in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, Neurocritical Care Unit and emergency department at University of Utah Health to find out what it means to be an educator for the next generation of surgeons.
Q: What is the most fulfilling aspect of your job?
Dr. Macedo: The most rewarding aspect of my job is working with learners of all levels and backgrounds to create an affirmative teaching environment. Every day, we have the privilege of discussing and practically applying our knowledge, research and experience to critically ill cardiothoracic surgery patients. Watching that effort come together to create a positive patient outcome and educational growth within our care team never gets old.
Q: Why did you pick your particular specialty in surgery?
Dr. Macedo: I chose Critical Care Medicine because it provided me the challenge of caring for high-complexity, profoundly ill patients who themselves, in addition to their families, come to us in their most significant time of need.
Q: What advice do you have for medical students who are interested in surgery?
Dr. Macedo: Take time to build a mentorship relationship with a physician in your field of interest. I reflect back on my time as a student and trainee, and the support and guidance provided by my mentors proved to be some of the best advice I ever received in terms of spurring personal growth and understanding.
Q: What does it mean to you to be an educator for the next generation of surgeons?
Dr. Macedo: Being an educator means not only providing the next generation of surgeons a strong clinical foundation to care for patients, but also the tools they need to be able to grow and adapt throughout the phases of their careers.
Q: What is something fun that the residents don’t know about you?
Dr. Macedo: I grew up ranching beef cattle in Texas.
For more information on Dr. Macedo visit his profile here.