Maggie McKay: Not only do some doctors care for and treat their patients, but some also lead programs that teach future physicians. Let's meet Dr. Joyce Robert, Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency at Beebe Healthcare.

Welcome to the Beebe Healthcare Podcast. I'm Maggie McKay. Dr. Robert, thank you so much for making the time to be here today. I know you are so busy. So to begin, will you please introduce yourself.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Sure. Hello, everyone. Thanks for having me, Maggie. It's a pleasure talking with you today. I'm Dr. Joyce robert, and I'm the founding program director for Bebee Healthcare's Family Medicine Residency Program.

Maggie McKay: And you were raised in New York and you now live in Delaware. How do you like it?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes. Born and raised in New York. Family moved into Delaware and we love it.

Maggie McKay: So to begin, did you originally get interested in medicine when you were little? Was there like a person who inspired you or an event?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes. Great question. Yes. I was diagnosed with a child with a chronic illness as a kid. So, I've had frequent interactions with my pediatrician as a kid and going to the hospital. So, I think that's what really sparked my love for medicine. I sort of wanted to be like my pediatrician. So initially, when I wanted to be a physician, I wanted to go into pediatrics, until I did my medical school training at SUNY Downstate where I learned a little bit about family medicine and what it encompasses and how we're able to take care of a broad range of different people, different ages and stages of life. And that's where I fell in love and I never looked back.

Maggie McKay: That's so sweet. Did you ever get to tell your pediatrician?

Dr. Joyce Robert: I think so. I still remember Dr. Laborde. I still remember her. It was like one of those pediatrician's office where they have like pictures of all the kids that they took care of. So, I remember my picture was always up on that bulletin board, kind of old school. But I think so, this was years, years ago I went back to where I grew up because it was like a neighborhood, like the HIP center also very dated, it was the HIP center and she worked there for many years. But she was definitely one of my role models, my first inspirations about getting into medicine, honestly.

Maggie McKay: That's so awesome. Can you imagine how that touched her heart? I mean, that would be everything, I would think. Was there ever a time that you considered another career?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh, man. I remember my husband could probably tell you more about this. I remember, I was having a tough time. I think it was like biochemistry. And I'm like, "Babe, you know..." I was talking to my husband, like, "I don't know if I could do this. Maybe I'll be a writer." And he just looked at me, he was like, "Really? You don't know how to write." So, I thought that my second would be teaching. Since I love teaching medical students, residents, I always think like if I wasn't a physician, I would be some sort of teacher. I would still be in education, but in a different form of education, honestly.

Maggie McKay: And that leads us to the Family Medicine Residency Program. So, you are in effect a teacher. What's the goal of the program?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes. So, the goal of our program really, we know that Sussex County has such a need for great primary care physicians and you know that the health system, like the base of the healthcare system, I'm biased, is family medicine, is primary care. So, having the privilege to be able to have a program here in Sussex County, in Lewes, at Bebee Healthcare to really create that pipeline program where we can have students come in and residents train and stay where they train and take care of the community, you can't ask for anything better than that.

Maggie McKay: So, the residents that get chosen, do they stay at Bebee? Are they guaranteed work there after the program?

Dr. Joyce Robert: So, not guaranteed. So, the goal is we want them to stay, so whatever we need to do to make them stay and have them stay and really continue their work. And then, research shows that more than 50% of residents, they usually stay where they trained. So, like the ball is in our favor of once they train here, that they will stay here.

Maggie McKay: And what is Match Day?

Dr. Joyce Robert: So, Match Day is a day that we find out which residents will end up being at our program. So, we are a 4-4-4 program. Each year, we will recruit four new interns to be in our program. So, family medicine is a three-year program. So once we hit our full complement by the time we hit our third year, we would have 12 residents, four per each year. So, Match Day is a wonderful day where all medical students, applicants across the nation find out where they match for residency.

Maggie McKay: That's so cool. What are you looking for in these residents?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh, man, we looking for a lot. No, we're looking for great residents. We're looking for people who exemplify teammanship or great team workers. People who are personable, people who are excited and passionate about medicine, excited to be pioneers. We're looking for pioneers. We're looking for visionaries. We're looking for go-getters. We are looking for people who are adaptable, people who are flexible. We are looking for people who want to serve the community. We want people to be personable and be able to engage with their patients and their community, with their colleagues, with those who teach them. We're just looking for people who really want to do family medicine and really can elevate the field.

Maggie McKay: Passionate.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes.

Maggie McKay: What about Beebe? What is it that attracted you?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yeah. So again, you know, I'm from New York and I was one of those New Yorkers who thought I would never leave the state. I was born and raised, did medical school, residency, I never lived outside the state, honestly. And then when the opportunity came and I read about Beebe and they're looking for an innovative leader to lead this program and really start this program from the ground up, I spoke with my husband. And I was like, "Babe, do you think we'll be able to-- what do you think about Lewes, Delaware?" We had to look it up on the map and see, "Okay, this is like a four-hour drive," had to map it out. And again, I said, "I'll see it, but I don't know if I would move." But as soon as we came and we saw the landscape of the area, we met with like the key executive leaders within the program, I was like, "This will be a great fit." And I think also with COVID, we interviewed December of 2020, so we interviewed right around COVID. And I think that also changed my thinking about like what mark am I going to leave here in medicine and starting a program, at least that's it for me.

Maggie McKay: What's the best thing about working at Beebe specifically?

Dr. Joyce Robert: I think it's the people. We like to say the people make the program, right? You know, the work is the same at different places. But I think the people is what really make your work meaningful. I think it's the community. We're definitely engaged with the community, parades, health fairs, community engagement. I think that kind of fuels us because family medicine is community medicine. So, I think, once we have that community engagement, it feels like the challenges that we all know in healthcare make it worthwhile.

Maggie McKay: Take us through a typical day. Do you work on the program and care for patients on the same day or just split it?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes.

Maggie McKay: Do you? Oh my gosh.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes. I have a very busy-- but it's fine. So, I do see patients. I am a PCP, which I love. And I see adults, I see kids, so I like that diversity within family medicine. So, I'm not always seeing the same patient. I can do a GYN exam or a breast exam, and then I can do a Medicare annual wellness visit, and then I can do a six months' well-child visit all in the same session. So, it sort of keeps me going, keeps the different flavor, keeps me interested and keeps me engaged when I'm able to do different things. And then in the afternoon, I may be doing a podcast, I may be interviewing during the day, have a meeting. So, I love the diversity that my role as program director provides, and it keeps me interested and engaged.

Maggie McKay: So, it sounds like it never gets boring and you can mix it up.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes, exactly.

Maggie McKay: Dr. Robert, what's the most rewarding and what's the most challenging thing about practicing medicine these days?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh, man. So I guess let's start off with the most rewarding. The most rewarding thing about practicing medicine, again, it's the patients. I'll have patients come in. Sometimes it's a long wait, people may wait three to six months before they get in to see a primary care doctor. I think what's rewarding for me is when patients feel heard, they feel like they're taken care of. They feel like they're listened to, that their needs are met and there are a lot of needs that, you know, we all have. So when they bring that to me in the exam room and I'm able to help them in any other way, that's rewarding. And I can tell you so many patient stories over the course of my career that still resonate with me to this day, and that's sort of what keeps me going.

Maggie McKay: And what's the most challenging?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Probably a lot of primary docs would say dealing with insurance companies, prior authorizations, paperwork. So, some of that in-between work. I think when we see our patients in the room is great. And then, when we have all that, the interim, fill out this paperwork, PA, this wasn't approved, like that could be just a little bit sometimes of a challenge that a lot of primary care doctors face everyday.

Maggie McKay: Right. And what advice do you give medical students coming up?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh, okay. I like that question. What advice would I give medical students coming up? Just stay true to yourself. Learn as much as you can. I know as a student sometimes, I could have been the quiet one because I was afraid, I didn't want people to think less of me or anything like that. I feel like as a student, you're paying for this. As we know, student loan debt is real and medical school is very expensive. So, I tell students like, "You got to put in what you pay for. You're paying 40K a year. You got to get your 40K's worth." So, ask the questions and don't feel intimidated. Show up, work hard, learn as much as you can because you'll not experience medical school again. This is just like a one time deal and take advantage of it full throttle.

Maggie McKay: That's great advice. I told my son who just started college the same thing. I said, "You take advantage of everything you can because this is not free." Like I didn't want to make him feel guilty, but I'm like, it's costing. So, take advantage of everything. And again, you're right, you'll never be there again in your life. It's right now, enjoy the present, right? So, what's the biggest change in healthcare that you'd like to see in the future?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Ooh, wow. That's a good question. So, what is a change in healthcare I would like to see? And again, I'm biased, I'm a family medicine physician, so I definitely think like really increasing the value of what family medicine brings. I think sometimes we can be underestimated compared to specialties. And I think definitely with family medicine, the broad range that we have, like our skillset, when we train residents, we train them in the hospital, we train them on the outpatient, they do OB, they do GYN, we do procedures, we do OMT, we do a lot. And I think sometimes people don't want to embrace the full spectrum of what we offer. So, I think what change I would like to see in terms of primary care is really elevating the field of primary care, especially family medicine physicians.

Maggie McKay: And if you've ever had a doubtful workday, you seem very upbeat and positive to me, but I mean, everyone has them, right? So when you think, "Ugh, this is just too hard for me," or even when you were in med school, or when you have a patient who isn't doing well and doesn't have a great future outlook, what do you tell yourself to get back on track? What makes it all worth it?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh, man. So, I would say more about as starting the program, hitting those challenges just with like creating anything from the ground up, I do think about this, and my husband reminds me of this too, I think about the residents. Think about the impact that you would have on graduate medical education that. Once the residents are here and they're a part of the program, that we're training them, that I actually have an impact on their life as a future board-certified family medicine physician. So, I often think about that when in terms of the program, if we're hitting little glitches, I'm like, "Okay, this is for the better good of the specialty. This is for the better good of medical education as a whole." So, that sort of keeps me having a positive outlook.

Maggie McKay: I love your husband, Dr. Robert. I've never met him, but just what you're telling me, he sounds like such a good advisor. Is he in medicine too?

Dr. Joyce Robert: No. But we've been dating for like, probably I can say like, half my life. I don't want to-- Yeah, we were dating since when I was in undergrad. So, he was with me almost since day one. So, medical school, residency, attending, moving here to build the program. So, yeah, he's A++.

Maggie McKay: He sounds like it. Very supportive. I mean, I guess in your profession, you really need that because your hours and the dedication that it takes, and like you said, you have to move sometimes. So, it sounds like you've got a good one. If you're up for it, we have some fun quick answer questions to get to know you on a more personal level. Besides your career, what in your life would people be surprised to find out about you? Like with me, it's tap dancing. People don't even believe I do it, but I do. I'm not good at it at all, but something, you know, that they'd be surprised that they don't know about you.

Dr. Joyce Robert: That's a good one, Maggie. I'm not a tap dancer. That's a good one. I like chocolate. I love dark chocolate, I don't know if that's a thing. I also love Peloton. I got my bike a few years back and I just love the instructors, working out. I did track and field when I was in high school and in college. So, I don't run as much as I did, but I would like to start running again and get the Peloton Tread. This is not a advertisement for Peloton, sorry.

Maggie McKay: It's okay.

Dr. Joyce Robert: This is my own, just personal, so I do like that. I just like having fun. I like to dance if I ever go to a party. Both of my parents are from Nigeria, so I love Afrobeats. So if you play Afrobeats at a party, I'm on the dance floor,

Maggie McKay: I love it.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Not tap dancing, but regular dancing.

Maggie McKay: It's more useful, trust me. It's not like you can tap dance at a party. What's your favorite movie of all time and why?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh man, I would say definitely for sure Black Panther, is like my number one. And then, Wakanda Forever is like a very close number two. But again, my parents are from Nigeria. Just seeing like the way they talk about the continent of Africa on Black Panther, on that national, like that worldwide level, bringing in so much revenue, you know, and to be able to relate to these superhero characters. Black Panther, hands down.

Maggie McKay: And do you have a favorite movie this year for an Oscar win?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Well, Wakanda forever. I don't really follow the Oscars, but Wakanda Forever. We saw that, that was November. I'm not sure if that's on for this year, but that's the last movie I saw. And Women King, Woman King was also good with Viola Davis, but I'm not sure if that's in the Oscars.

Maggie McKay: Oh, yeah. I love that. Well, we kind of touched on this earlier, when you were like five or six, what did you dream about being, career-wise?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Well, I think I wanted to be a physician probably more closer to like adolescence, like probably 10, 11. So five, six, I don't know, what was I doing? Hanging out, playing in the sandbox.

Maggie McKay: You weren't thinking that far ahead.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yeah. I was just like in kindergarten, just living my best life.

Maggie McKay: Painting.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yeah.

Maggie McKay: Now that you have some life experience, what do you wish you knew when you were starting out that you know now?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yes. That's a good one. So, where I went for undergrad, I went to Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education, now known as CUNY Med School. And it was an accelerated program. So, it was all about passing the exams, all about the books. And I think what I'll tell myself, what would I learn is that definitely it was hard work. It was a lot of hours of studying. But definitely, have time for myself and know that medicine is a part of us. Obviously, I'm a physician, but it's not-- I don't know. It's not saying like it's not everything, but maybe relax a little. Maybe I'll tell myself relax a little, but everything's going to be okay.

Maggie McKay: Right.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Everything will turn out the way it should be, I would say that.

Maggie McKay: And you probably tell your students that now, right? Like, don't stress so much.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Yeah. But it's hard. When you're in it, you have these blinders and you only think about this test and the next test. And like life is more than just about tests.

Maggie McKay: So true. Dr. Robert, what was your very first paid job, like high school?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh wow. Yeah, I started working when I was 14. I was one of those kids. I was like, once I got my working papers, age 14, I think I was a camp counselor. I think my first job was either a tutor or a camp counselor. I want to say I was a camp counselor. I've had many odd jobs.

Maggie McKay: If you weren't a physician and head of this program, what other job would you do? What would be your favorite job besides medicine?

Dr. Joyce Robert: I think teaching, maybe either-- I don't know if I could do high school level, maybe like elementary, middle school level, kind of those formative years. I think I would be a teacher.

Maggie McKay: What's the best advice your parents ever gave you?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Oh man, my parents are great. Again, just keep trying. You know, God is with you. Everything will work out according to God's plan. I think that's probably the best advice that they continue to give me even to this day.

Maggie McKay: And in a nutshell, what's your philosophy of life?

Dr. Joyce Robert: Again, I would just say God has a plan for all of us. I think just keep working hard, being true to yourself, follow your passion, and do what you love. Especially with medicine, I spent years in training, hours of studying, it's just a lot. So when you have that job, for you to be miserable at work doesn't make sense, so try to make the most of it and really do what you love, really do what you're passionate about, and it will work out. I feel like our time should be spent doing what we love and being grateful and being joyful and being happy if you can.

Maggie McKay: Agreed. Well, it's been so fun getting to know you, Dr. Robert. I could talk to you for a lot longer, but I know you are super busy. So, thank you so much for making the time and sharing with us a little bit about your role at Beebe and sharing some of your life with us. We appreciate you.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Aw. Thank you Maggie, and it was great talking with you as well.

Maggie McKay: Good luck with your program.

Dr. Joyce Robert: Thank you.

Maggie McKay: That's Dr. Joyce Robert. To make an appointment, you can call 302-645-3150 or visit beebehealthcare.org. That's B-E-E-B-E healthcare.org. If you found this podcast helpful, please share it on your social channels and check out the full podcast library for topics of interest to you. This is the Beebe Healthcare Podcast. I'm Maggie McKay. Thanks for listening.