Dr. Kelsey Berndt, trauma surgeon and medical director of the surgical intensive care unit at Regions Hospital, is one of a growing number of women surgeons in leadership which are breaking through stereotypes and barriers of mistrust each inside and outdoors the operating room. On this episode of Off the Charts, we talk in regards to the obstacles that ladies face in a still male-dominated field and the role that trauma centers play in helping communities affected by violence. Hearken to the episode or read the transcript.
Changing stereotypes and redefining expectations
The stereotype that follows surgeons – aggressive, rigid and exacting – will be hard to rework, especially for ladies latest to the male-dominated field. And while it’s easier for ladies to ascertain themselves today, the sensation that “you’ll be able to be respected or you’ll be able to be liked, but you’ll be able to’t be each” could make an already stressful profession much more taxing.
As a highly respected and well-liked trauma surgeon, Dr. Berndt has proven that it’s possible to be each. Nonetheless, she admits that it’s a narrow window to suit between two extremes – one which’s hard for all women, and even tougher for ladies of color.
By being each assertive and approachable, Dr. Berndt helps to create a more positive image of surgeons, which she hopes will encourage others to affix the sphere. And since “you’ll be able to’t be what you’ll be able to’t see,” the importance of bringing more diversity to the sphere, together with different perspectives and viewpoints, is crucial.
The Regions Hospital Level I Trauma Center
Dr. Berndt is the medical director of the surgical intensive care unit at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, the primary Minnesota hospital to be verified as a Level I trauma center for each adults and youngsters. With the best level of trauma care available, Regions has a fully staffed emergency department with surgeons which are in-house 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As well as, the Regions Hospital Level I Trauma Center has access to a comprehensive range of specialists in neurosurgery, cosmetic surgery, orthopedic surgery, intensive care and more. When treating children, trauma surgeons also partner with pediatric specialists from Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare, providing a multidisciplinary approach.
Reaching out to the community
As a trauma surgeon, Dr. Berndt sees the devastating impact of violence first-hand. Affecting greater than the physically injured, its effects ripple into the emotional and economic well-being of the community. Fortunately, community violence is being viewed more steadily through a public health lens.
Working with community groups, Regions is at first stages of creating a hospital-based violence interruption program, in addition to continuing to construct relationships and trust with members of the community in case an emergency happens. Also, by including social employees early within the treatment of trauma patients, needed resources will be identified early. Later, trauma patients will be connected to community resources, addiction medicine services, screenings for housing security and domestic violence, and more. It’s all done with the aim of breaking the destructive cycles of violence and improving the general health of the communities served by Regions.
Hearken to the episode to search out out more in regards to the positive impact a trauma center can have in the neighborhood and the thrill Dr. Berndt has in “finding the calm within the chaos.”