Child Advocacy & Balance in Pediatric Medicine | Dr. Bande Virgil | Balance to Excellence Show S3E3

In this inspiring episode of the Balance to Excellence Show, Dr. Judy Wright sits down with Dr. Bande Virgil, a board-certified pediatrician, assistant professor, and passionate child advocate. Dr. Virgil shares her journey in pediatric medicine, discusses maintaining work-life balance as a healthcare professional, and offers valuable insights on combating health misinformation while building trust with families. Learn how medical professionals can prioritize their wellbeing while delivering excellent care.

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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS (click to jump to section): 

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Bande Virgil

02:19 The Journey to Pediatrics

09:20 Defining Work-Life Balance

15:16 Managing Multiple Roles in Medicine

21:12 Non-Negotiables for Well-Being

24:50 The Toxic Culture of Overwork

26:43 The Importance of Rest and Respite

29:07 Advocating for Change in Healthcare Culture

32:37 Building Trust with Parents in Pediatrics

36:16 Navigating Misinformation in Pediatric Care

38:02 Wellness Initiatives in Healthcare Settings

42:05 Defining Excellence in Medicine and Life

💡 Episode Highlights

Dr. Virgil's Path to Child Advocacy #ChildAdvocate #Pediatrics

• Board-certified pediatrician working as hospitalist at Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital and at Pediatric Partners of Columbus
• Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at Mercer School of Medicine
• Podcast host of "The Children's Wellness Spot"
• Upcoming book: "A Teaspoon of Honey: Parenting in the Millennium"
• Chose pediatrics after discovering joy in the daily interactions with children and families

The Dynamic Nature of Balance #WorkLifeBalance #PhysicianWellbeing

• Balance looks different for each person and changes throughout life stages
• "Balance is personal and it is dynamic" - not something you find once and keep forever
• Requires active maintenance and constant reassessment
• The pursuit of balance is as important as achieving it
• Involves nurturing all aspects of yourself: professional, personal, spiritual

Practical Non-Negotiables for Wellbeing #SelfCare #PhysicianWellness

• Morning meditation and reflection time
• Protected family time and regular vacation
• The courage to adjust career paths to protect these non-negotiables
• Setting boundaries around work hours and availability
• Taking short "meditation moments" throughout the day to recenter

Creating Trust with Families in Pediatrics #ParentPartnership #PediatricCare

• Building rapport is essential before addressing misinformation
• "People don't care what you know until they know how much you care"
• Create open space for questions without judgment
• Embrace shared decision-making with families
• Acknowledge parents' expertise about their own children
• Provide reliable resources for families to research on their own

Challenging the Culture of Overwork #MedicalCulture #PhysicianBurnout

• Many physicians don't use their PTO or bring work on vacation
• The false badge of honor in appearing stressed and overworked
• "The more self-sacrificing yo