Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer Episode #319 – Dr. Reza Lewis: Micro Skills for Moments That Actually Matter – Part One
Release Date: April 24, 2025
Introduction
In Episode #319 of Chief Change Officer, host Vince Chan welcomes Dr. Reza Lewis, an esteemed Emergency Medicine physician, educator, and co-author of the book Micro Skills. As the first medical doctor featured on the show, Dr. Lewis brings a wealth of experience from over 25 years in trauma care, ultrasound education, and training professionals to maintain composure under pressure. This two-part series delves into her motivations for pursuing emergency medicine, the development of confidence through prevention and preparation, and the transformative power of micro skills in both personal and professional spheres.
Dr. Reza Lewis’s Journey into Medicine
Early Influences and Personal Drive
Dr. Lewis discusses her intrinsic calling to medicine, contrasting it with the traditional gender roles she encountered growing up in Rhode Island. She recounts specific childhood experiences that fueled her desire for equality and independence, such as questioning her father's directive that only girls clear the dinner table.
“I wanted equal access, equal opportunity and equal support and encouragement to be and pursue the things that I wanted to pursue...”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [03:40]
She highlights how these early experiences shaped her determination to carve her own path, free from societal expectations based on gender.
Choosing Emergency Medicine
Passion for Variety and Action
Dr. Lewis explains her initial attraction to medical science, particularly the hands-on, action-oriented nature of emergency medicine. While she considered a career in surgery for its procedural focus, she ultimately gravitated toward emergency medicine for its diversity and the ability to handle a wide range of cases.
“I see men and women and children and elderly. I take care of patients presenting with heart attacks and strokes and cuts and fractures and abdominal pain and pregnancy related. I just loved the variety, the practicality.”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [08:26]
Her affinity for rapid decision-making and the dynamic environment of the ER keeps her engaged and motivated throughout her career.
Handling Emotional Challenges in the ER
Developing Professional Detachment
Dr. Lewis addresses the emotional toll of emergency medicine, sharing her experiences with patient loss and the necessity of professional detachment. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and peer support in developing coping mechanisms.
“If emergency medicine is attractive to you, there's a reason if you're not able to have that sense of professional detachment or necessary detachment to make decisions to take care of patients in emergent situations.”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [14:18]
She introduces the concept of a "failure friend," someone to confide in after difficult cases, highlighting the need for emotional support systems within the medical community.
Teaching and Educating in Medicine
Advancing Ultrasound Education
Opting for academic medicine, Dr. Lewis finds fulfillment in teaching and advancing clinical practices. Her specialization in bedside ultrasound has allowed her to educate healthcare professionals both nationally and internationally, enhancing patient care through accessible technology.
“The motivation, what I've really loved about the teaching, and specifically teaching ultrasound, is you're helping people deliver safer care and make better decisions for patients.”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [19:43]
Her passion for education extends beyond medicine, integrating her interdisciplinary knowledge to foster empathy and understanding in patient care.
Writing Micro Skills: Bridging Medicine and Professional Development
From Medical Expertise to Universal Skills
Dr. Lewis discusses her transition from writing exclusively for medical journals to addressing broader professional development topics. Inspired by leadership and management literature, she recognized the universal applicability of micro skills beyond healthcare.
“Healthcare is an industry, it's a company. These are organizations just like all the others. We think they're different, but they're not.”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [20:15]
Her book, Micro Skills, aims to equip professionals across various fields with practical tools to navigate their careers effectively. Dr. Lewis and her co-author sought to create a comprehensive "workplace playbook" that addresses essential skills such as communication, networking, and managing up.
Philosophy and Structure of Micro Skills
Time as a Valuable Currency
At the heart of Micro Skills are three foundational truths:
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Time is Currency: Time is finite and must be spent intentionally. Dr. Lewis relates this to her ER experiences, where every moment counts.
“Time is always being spent. So we want the reader to be very intentional about how they're spending their time and in with whom they're spending their time.”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [25:18] -
Inequality of Starting Points: Acknowledging that everyone begins their professional journey differently, the book emphasizes micro skills as a means to bridge gaps and achieve success.
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Limitless Learning: Advocating for accessible education, Dr. Lewis ensures the book addresses various barriers to learning, making it a valuable resource for a diverse audience.
Modular and Accessible Content
Designed for flexibility, the book features a granular table of contents, allowing readers to easily navigate and apply specific skills as needed.
“It can be a toolkit that you can jump in and jump out of.”
— Dr. Reza Lewis [25:18]
The comprehensive approach ensures that readers can tailor their learning to their unique professional contexts without feeling overwhelmed.
Concluding Insights
In the first part of this two-part series, Dr. Lewis shares her profound journey into emergency medicine, the development of her teaching career, and the inspiration behind her book Micro Skills. She underscores the importance of adaptable, actionable skills in navigating both high-pressure environments like the ER and broader professional landscapes.
“A better you is already unfolding.”
— Vince Chan
As the episode concludes, listeners are left anticipating the next installment, which promises to delve deeper into the specific micro skills that empower individuals to stay grounded amidst chaos.
Stay Tuned for Part Two
In the upcoming second part of this episode, Dr. Lewis will explore the repeatable habits and micro skills that help professionals maintain equilibrium and effectiveness in both their personal and career lives.
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This summary captures the essence of Episode #319, highlighting Dr. Reza Lewis’s insights and contributions to both medicine and professional development. For a more detailed exploration, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.