(right) Michele Lossius, M.D., FAAP, UF Health Shands chief quality officer
National Doctors’ Day is March 30 and UF Health Shands is proud of the many physicians rounding the halls of our hospital system. UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez asked us to turn to a pair of our leaders who are able to provide a unique understanding into the importance of our doctors and the contributions they provide.
Jimenez singled out Michele Lossius, M.D., FAAP, UF Health Shands chief quality officer; and Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands chief nursing officer and Nursing and Patient Services vice president, for this issue’s Q&A.
What do you enjoy most about the medical staff at UF Health Shands?
ML: Over the years, I have felt very confident and comfortable in the clinical acumen and the knowledge of my colleagues. As a physician, you really want to trust the colleagues with whom you are consulting and handing off care. I really see them as resources of information. For me, I want to work with colleagues who are approachable and wanting to share their expertise. I’ve really appreciated that here.
IA: We work as a team to ensure our patients and their families have the best care possible. We know our partnership will result in excellent care!
What’s beneficial about being a doctor with a leadership role?
ML: As the quality officer, I am able to identify where there are opportunities for solutions because I am encountering said issue. I think working clinically helps you be acutely impacted by whatever might need to be fixed. For most doctors, we need patient interaction because it is why we went into medicine; it brings joy and happiness at work.
What do you value most about physicians?
IA: The physicians are focused on providing excellent care, like I am. I value their ideas and contributions to operations and clinical care.
Irene Alexaitis, D.N.P., R.N., NEA-BC, UF Health Shands chief nursing officer and Nursing and Patient Services vice president, with UF Health Shands CEO Ed Jimenez
Did you ever think you would have a role as a quality officer in a hospital?
ML: No. During the first half of my career,
I did pediatric advocacy, which has a lot of the same skill set needed for quality and safety. I think it was a natural fit for my personality. I also really like connecting with people and part of my job is doing just that. I don’t necessarily need to try and fix every problem, just bring people together who can.
If you weren’t a doctor, what would you be doing now?
ML: I would either be a track coach or a florist. I worked in a floral shop and as a track coach in between undergrad and medical school. I helped coach girls’ distance runners at Buchholz High School here in Gainesville. I love flowers and designing — it is one of my creative outlets.
Why did you pursue a career in the medical profession?
ML: I always knew I wanted to go into pediatrics. I loved the NICU. Being with families during those really critical times when a child is in the hospital is incredibly humbling and special.
IA: I went into nursing to contribute, not just to help individuals, but to care for people as a whole. This profession struck me as one where you could make a difference.
Why is it important to celebrate Doctors’ Day?
ML: I think it’s important to celebrate everybody. At the end of the day, even if you love what you’re doing, it’s still nice to feel valued and appreciated — to have a day where people say, “We see you.
We’re thankful for you.” That’s motivating and encouraging.
IA: We need to take the time to recognize the things our doctors do on a daily basis. Their dedication to our patients, the hospital and their profession make UF Health a great place to work. It’s important to say, “Thank you” for all the doctors do!
What would you tell young medical students are the most important characteristics for a doctor to have?
ML: Listen. Listen to the patient. Listen to the nurses, the RTs, the social workers … the team. Listen.
IA: A sense of humor, humility, patience, compassion and respect for others.