Interview with Dr. Laura Kaufman

Dr. Laura Kaufman shares her thoughts on advanced degrees and other decisions as she moved from traditional practice to consulting.

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She recently quit her full-time clinical position and launched her consulting business. And she enrolled at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to pursue a master’s degree in patient safety and healthcare quality.

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Pursuing Advanced Degrees and Other Decisions

Dr. Kaufman began her private practice because she values its efficiency. Since completing her residency, she has mostly worked in obstetric anesthesia and served on quality and patient safety committees.

She was concerned about treating patients properly and safely. And she became frustrated when her patients seemed to be rushed through preoperative evaluation in spite of her concerns about their medical readiness.

So when her employer was acquired by another company, she began her consulting company and reduced her clinical hours. She started her nonclinical activities by providing medical opinions in legal proceedings and worked as a consultant for a respiratory therapy device company and an infection control consulting firm. But her main area of interest is improving quality and safety for obstetrical anesthesia care.

Choosing her Master’s Degree

As she made those changes, she evaluated master’s degree curricula that would support her transition. The Johns Hopkins program provides the coursework and the flexibility she needs.

Dr. Laura Kaufman’s Advice

Build your connections, link to other people on LinkedIn because that’s how those people find you.

Summary

When Laura became increasingly frustrated with constraints on her ability to practice the way she preferred, she took steps to make a shift in her career. She focused on a consulting business that would meet her desire to improve patient care quality and safety. And she took steps, including evaluation of advanced degrees and other decisions, that would improve her knowledge and authority in her chosen field. 

You can reach Dr. Laura Kaufman on LinkedIn.

NOTE: Look below for a transcript of today’s episode. 

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