Madhu Subramanian, M.D. | Acute Care Surgeon

Summary

Dr. Mother Subramanian, an acute care surgeon at Johns Hopkins and Assistant Medical Director of Trauma Services at Bayview Medical Center, discusses her commitment to serving underrepresented communities influenced by her upbringing. Her patient care philosophy emphasizes building rapport quickly during emergencies to foster trust. Her research focuses on systems and quality improvement in patient care, as well as optimizing blood product use in trauma patients. She stresses the importance of community engagement, participating in events like 'Stop the Bleed' campaigns, and fostering long-term relationships with patients as part of the Baltimore community.

Takeaways

• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Mother Subramanian is an acute care surgeon specializing in emergency and trauma surgery at Johns Hopkins and Bayview Medical Center.
• 🌟 Her choice of specialty was influenced by her upbringing in a diverse community in Chicago, where she witnessed healthcare disparities.
• 🤝 She believes in building rapport quickly with patients during emergencies to ensure trust and confidence in the healthcare system.
• 🔍 Her research focuses on systems and quality improvement to enhance patient care during their hospital stay.
• 🩸 She investigates the optimal use of blood products in trauma patients to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
• 🏥 Dr. Subramanian emphasizes the importance of being an active member of the community she serves, living in Baltimore and treating her neighbors.
• 👥 She is involved in community engagement activities, such as teaching emergency response skills and promoting trauma awareness.
• 📈 The medical center she works at organizes social events with patients to foster a sense of community and support.
• 💡 The goal is to ensure patients feel comfortable and confident in seeking care at Johns Hopkins, knowing they are valued and supported.
• 🗣️ Trauma awareness month is an annual event where patient stories are shared to inspire hope and demonstrate ongoing care.
• 🏘️ The script highlights the importance of building long-term relationships with patients, emphasizing that a single encounter is not the end of the care provided.

Q & A

Who is Mother Subramanian and what is her professional role?

Mother Subramanian is an acute care surgeon in the division of acute care surgery and trauma at Johns Hopkins, and she also serves as the assistant medical director of trauma services at Bayview Medical Center, as well as the head of their quality improvement program.

What motivated Dr. Subramanian to specialize in emergency and trauma surgery?

Dr. Subramanian's motivation to specialize in emergency and trauma surgery stems from her upbringing as a child of immigrants in Chicago, where she was exposed to communities that were often overlooked by the medical field. She was raised with a desire to serve these communities and ensure they have equal access to healthcare.

What is Dr. Subramanian's philosophy of patient care?

Dr. Subramanian's philosophy of patient care is centered around servitude. She believes in quickly building rapport with patients who come to her in emergencies, ensuring they feel confident in the hospital and its systems during what could be the worst day of their lives.

How does Dr. Subramanian's research contribute to patient care?

Dr. Subramanian's research focuses on systems improvement and quality improvement to ensure patients receive the best care possible. She and her team analyze patient hospital stays from start to finish, looking for ways to enhance patient care and using data to drive improvements.

What specific area of research is Dr. Subramanian involved in regarding trauma patients?

Dr. Subramanian is involved in research related to bleeding problems associated with trauma patients. Her work aims to maximize the benefits of using blood products while minimizing the associated risks and complications.

Why is community involvement important to Dr. Subramanian as a physician?

Community involvement is important to Dr. Subramanian because she believes that as a physician, one should be an active part of the community they serve. By living in Baltimore and being engaged with her neighbors, she aims to treat and care for the people around her.

What social initiatives does Dr. Subramanian's medical center undertake to engage with the community?

The medical center where Dr. Subramanian works coordinates social events with patients, such as 'stop the bleed' campaigns to teach emergency response skills, promoting seat belt use, and raising trauma awareness. They also host events during Trauma Awareness Month to share patient stories and provide hope to others.

How does Dr. Subramanian view the relationship between the medical center and the community it serves?

Dr. Subramanian views the relationship between the medical center and the community as one of mutual care and understanding. She emphasizes that the medical staff are not just providers but also members of the city of Baltimore, interested in the well-being of their patients and ensuring they have appropriate access to care.

What is the significance of the 'stop the bleed' campaigns mentioned by Dr. Subramanian?

The 'stop the bleed' campaigns are significant as they aim to educate patients on how to use tourniquets in emergency situations, potentially saving lives by controlling severe bleeding until professional medical help arrives.

How does Dr. Subramanian's approach to patient care reflect her personal experiences and values?

Dr. Subramanian's approach to patient care reflects her personal experiences growing up in a diverse community and her values of inclusivity and equal access to healthcare. Her commitment to building rapport quickly and ensuring patient confidence demonstrates a deep understanding and respect for the communities she serves.

What is the goal of the relationship-building efforts between the medical center and the community as described by Dr. Subramanian?

The goal of the relationship-building efforts is to ensure that patients feel comfortable and confident coming to Johns Hopkins Hospital, knowing that the medical staff are their neighbors and genuinely care about their well-being, beyond just the medical treatment they receive.