Q & A with Lucy Shi, MD, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, Calif.

Dr. Shi felt she had too many interests and not much direction when she first started as a hospitalist. Reflecting, growing, and finding a mentor helped her refocus and she’s eager to find shared experiences with other hospitalists as a member of The Hospitalist’s editorial board.

Enjoy being a hospitalist and get comfortable with your clinical practice in your first few years. Don’t compare yourself to others—spend time reflecting on what gives you energy and what motivates you. Find inspirational and supportive mentors. Appreciate the journey.

Dr. Shi

Q: Why did you choose a career in hospital medicine?

I love the pace and diversity of experiences you get in hospital medicine and the ability to have more control over how you structure your day with patients. I also like that you get to coordinate and bring together a multidisciplinary team to take care of the patient.

Q: What’s been your biggest success?

I helped create a student-run clinic at UC Davis and it has been really satisfying to see the clinic develop. The students are incredibly passionate, and I have been able to work closely with both undergraduate and medical students, seeing them grow over the years. I’m really proud of all that the students have accomplished, and it feels rewarding to be a part of their journey.

Q: What challenges have you overcome?

When I first started as a hospitalist, it felt like I had too many interests, but not much direction. In the past few years, I’ve tried to take more time to reflect and give myself the room to constantly grow. Finding a mentor really helped me refocus on what really matters to me, which in turn has led to more job satisfaction.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy collaborating with other specialties and disciplines, connecting with patients, and being able to constantly grow and learn.

Q: Why did you join SHM?

I wanted to be a part of a larger community with inspiring hospitalists who rejuvenate my practice.

Q: Why did you become an editorial board member?

I wanted to give voice to important issues and to be a part of deciding what is important. I also wanted to find shared experiences with others across the nation.

Q: What’s the first page you turn to when you get your copy of The Hospitalist?

I usually see what articles are highlighted on the cover page first and I’ll flip to whatever catches my eye. Then, I go through and start looking at articles from the beginning.

Q: What topics would you like to see more of in The Hospitalist?

I like that there’s a wide variety of topics covered each month. I particularly enjoy reading about new innovative workflow ideas from other hospitals.

Q: What’s your best piece of advice for new hospitalists?

Enjoy being a hospitalist and get comfortable with your clinical practice in your first few years. Don’t compare yourself to others—spend time reflecting on what gives you energy and what motivates you. Find inspirational and supportive mentors. Appreciate the journey.

Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?

I enjoy sewing and have made a lot of my own clothes.

Q: What do you wish the world knew about hospitalists?

I think some people have the idea that hospitalists have an “easy” job because of the traditional 7-on-7-off schedule. I wish more people recognized that hospitalists have a wide range of skills and expertise in multiple aspects of hospital care from clinical medicine to care coordination to hospital workflow. Beyond their daily job, many hospitalists are also leaders in quality improvement, education, advocacy, and research.

Q: How do you stay motivated during stressful days?

When I’ve had a stressful day or week, I try to spend quality time with my husband and kids and reach out to friends for support. I remind myself that we can do difficult things and sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from challenging times.

Dr. Shi earned her medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio, and completed her residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland.