Q & A with Liz Herrle, MD, FACP, FHM, assistant professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, associate medical director for professional development, Maine Medical Center division of hospital medicine, and medical director of clinical informatics at MaineHealth, Portland, Maine
Dr. Herrle brings her knowledge of informatics, problem-solving skills, and interest in a broad range of topics to The Hospitalist’s editorial board.
The work is hard, but it matters. It’s easy to lose sight of the difference you make every day. Find a colleague who you can talk to when things get hard and who will help you stay centered on what matters.
Q: Why did you choose a career in hospital medicine?
I’ve always had broad interests and have found the flexibility and diversity of hospital medicine to be a great fit. I love that as a hospitalist I get to be right on the ground level of both my clinical and administrative work.
Dr. Herrle
Q: What’s been your biggest success?
During the pandemic, I served as the COVID-19 informatics lead for our health system. I worked with a dedicated team from across a variety of roles in the health system to ensure that our electronic health record was continuously updated to provide accurate information to patients and the care team during an incredibly dynamic, challenging time.
Q: What challenges have you overcome?
Because of my broad interests, I have had to continually work through the challenge of finding a way to weave together all aspects of my career in a way that allows my different interests to enhance each other rather than compete with one another for focus.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your work?
I love solving complex problems with diverse teams. It’s wonderful to see a group of people come together and offer insights from different perspectives that lead to a solution that advances patient care.
Q: Why did you join SHM?
The Society of Hospital Medicine provides a great community for connecting with other hospitalists and has such fantastic educational opportunities.
Q: Why did you become an editorial board member?
I have reached a place in my career where I am looking to broaden my view of hospital medicine and learn more through connecting with the larger hospitalist community. I love to think about new frontiers in our specialty and have always enjoyed writing, so this opportunity seemed like a perfect fit for me.
Q: What’s the first page you turn to when you get your copy of The Hospitalist?
I’m pretty “by the book” – so page 1, of course!
Q: What topics would you like to see more of in The Hospitalist?
I love hearing about the varied careers of hospitalists, especially those who are looking into the future of the field. I would love to continue to see profiles and perspectives of a variety of different hospitalists.
Q: What’s your best piece of advice for new hospitalists?
The work is hard, but it matters. It’s easy to lose sight of the difference you make every day. Find a colleague who you can talk to when things get hard and who will help you stay centered on what matters.
Q: What’s something someone would be surprised to know about you?
I gave up caffeine [more than] six months ago.
Q: What do you wish the world knew about hospitalists?
We care a lot and will work with all members of the team to get the best outcomes for our patients.
Q: How do you stay motivated during stressful days?
I once asked a physician I greatly admire how they maintained such a calm, upbeat demeanor on tough days. I was expecting a deep life lesson, and he surprised me by answering that he made sure to listen to his favorite music every morning because he knew that let him have some control over his mood each day. This taught me the importance of being proactive in combatting stress (and to always have my earbuds nearby).
Dr. Herrle is an assistant professor of medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine, associate medical director for professional development, at Maine Medical Center division of hospital medicine, and medical director of clinical informatics at MaineHealth, Portland, Maine. She earned her medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in Farmington and completed her residency at Maine Medical Center.