If you’ve ever thought about working in healthcare but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.
Navigating the healthcare industry can feel overwhelming with various roles and career paths. That’s where So You Want to Work in Healthcare?, hosted by Leigha Barbieri, comes in.
All about peeling back the curtain on healthcare professions, Leigha’s podcast allows professionals to share their stories and provide an honest look at their careers, from physicians and physician assistants to healthcare administrators and certified registered nurse anesthetists.
In the latest episode of the “So You Want to Work in Healthcare” podcast, host Leigha welcomed a special guest, Dr. Ralph Gonzalez, who serves as the Executive Chief Medical Officer for OnCall Solutions. With an inspiring career as a hospitalist and physician leader, Dr. Gonzalez shares his journey into medicine, offering valuable advice and insights for aspiring healthcare professionals.
A Lifelong Calling to Medicine
Dr. Gonzalez describes his passion for healthcare as ingrained in him early on. Even as a child, equipped with his Fisher Price doctor kit, he never considered another career path. For Dr. Gonzalez, medicine wasn’t just an interest but a true calling. This deep-seated commitment shines through in his work as a clinician and an advocate for hospital systems and their patients.
The Role of a Hospitalist and Executive Leadership
During the episode, Dr. Gonzalez provides a closer look at the responsibilities of a hospitalist, describing it as a central role in patient care and hospital system optimization. As a hospitalist, he’s seen firsthand how important it is to advocate for patients, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are met. Now, as an Executive Chief Medical Officer, he extends that advocacy to the clinicians he works with, supporting their growth and helping healthcare employers foster strong, efficient teams.
Advice for Aspiring Clinicians
Dr. Gonzalez offers students and aspiring healthcare workers plenty of wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of seeing medicine as a lifelong commitment and encourages listeners to remain curious, compassionate, and adaptable throughout their careers. He also touches on work-life balance, which he believes is critical to sustaining a long and fulfilling medical career.
Among other key takeaways in the episode is Dr. Gonzalez’s focus on addressing burnout in healthcare. By supporting clinicians and fostering a culture of collaboration, he’s paving the way for healthier work environments that benefit clinicians and their patients. His perspective highlights the value of having clinician leaders who understand the challenges their peers face and are equipped to drive meaningful change.
Listen to the Full Episode
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in healthcare, leadership, or hospitalist medicine. Dr. Gonzalez’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and the impact of strong leadership in healthcare.
You can find the episode on YouTube or tune in on your favorite podcast platform. Don’t forget to follow “So You Want to Work in Healthcare” on Instagram and TikTok, and stay connected with OnCall Solutions on LinkedIn.
Whether you’re at the start of your healthcare journey or looking for inspiration to keep going, this podcast is your guide. Tune in to learn, laugh, and discover the stories behind healthcare’s dedicated professionals.
