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Peer Perspectives: Victoria Burke, MD, FACP

Victoria Burke, MD, FACP

Victoria Burke, MD, FACP
Associate Professor of Medicine
Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program Director
Medicine Clerkship Site Director
Clinical Curriculum Consultant for Preclinical Courses
LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA

1. What is your current professional position?

I am an infectious diseases physician who works as a clinician educator at LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. I wear many different educator hats at my institution, including infectious diseases fellowship program director, medicine clerkship site director, and clinical curriculum consultant for preclinical courses, since I love teaching the next generation of physicians.

2. Why did you choose internal medicine?

I enjoy the challenge of taking care of complex medical mysteries as both an internal medicine physician and an infectious diseases physician. I love that my job remains personal—not procedural—and affords me time to speak with patients, hear their personal stories, and counsel them on a daily basis.

3. What trends are you seeing in your day-to-day practice (with patients, the health care system, or otherwise)?

I am learning how to navigate the changing faces of my various hospital partners as more academic centers align with privately managed hospitals.

4. What do you want to accomplish professionally within the next five years?

As a member of the ACP Council of Early Career Physicians, I hope to continue to engage early career physicians, including subspecialists like myself, within the College so that they can take full advantage of the educational, career development, and networking opportunities it offers as they start their careers.

5. Can you share a brief (and anonymous) patient encounter or professional situation that made you proud to be an internal medicine physician?

I was recently part of a care team, and each of us received a personal handwritten card from family members of a recently deceased patient for our dedication in his longitudinal care over the prior few months in the hospital. I felt humbled that those experiencing such grief took the time to express their gratitude and was honored to have played a role in their positive experience with the health care system in difficult times.