Where do you want to work? US Acute Care Solutions serves more than 220 hospitals in 20 states. We want to help you learn about our locations by meeting physicians who practice there! Today’s feature is Dr. Andrew Lim of Bristol, CT.
Q and A with Dr. Andrew Lim
What drew you to the Bristol area?
I am originally from Trumbull, CT and went to UConn for Undergrad and Med School so I wanted to return home after residency in Florida to raise our kids.
What do you enjoy about working for Bristol Hospital?
The physician and APP team share the same ideals of hard work, saving lives, and having fun while doing so.
What are some major health concerns/unique challenges for the specific population you serve?
Opioid addiction and Mental Health continue to be on the forefront for our community. We have recognized this and have partnered with our local police department and local government to divert those were found with narcotics to rehab rather than arrest. It has been a rewarding opportunity to work with the mayor and police chief to help change the culture of drug abuse in our city.
What kinds of opportunities can a physician expect at Bristol Hospital & USACS?
The Emergency Department Team of Nurses, Techs and Nursing Leadership is truly supportive of the USCACS providers. This allows for synergy when tackling initiatives to improve throughput, quality, and population health.
How do you feel that USACS has supported you with challenges or opportunities?
When I first joined the company, I was three years out of residency and stated that one of my goals was to become involved in administration. As a result, I was offered to participate in a leadership program and started as vice chairman. I currently am a medical director and felt prepared for the position as a result of mentoring and leadership training.
What’s the best advice you ever received as a physician?
In med school, my advisor told me the best way to avoid burnout is to “wear different hats.” Whether that hat is education, administration, or research, it is important to do something else other than clinical work to use your medicine talents in different ways.
What’s the most important advice you give to new physicians?
Avoid the lifestyle creep! Continue to live like you make a resident salary for as long as you can.
What would you say to someone considering a position at your hospital?
Working here is a great place not just because of the hourly rate, or benefits (although both very competitive), the most important thing about a job is the everyday interactions with the people you work with. If you go home and feel fulfilled by your work, and the interactions you had throughout the day, everything else will fall in place.
What do you do to encourage a quality work environment?
I think we do a great job at recognizing providers and also staff who do something exemplary. We also celebrate when we hit departmental goals. Most recently, we hit three straight months of a Press Ganey peer percent rank of 80%. To celebrate, we hosted a happy hour at a local brewery. I try to make our meetings informative and fun, so our staff members want to attend. This year, we went to an escape room for a meeting which was a great team building experience.
What are some of the reasons you became a physician?
When I fly on an airplane, and the captain asks, “Is there a doctor on the plane?”, I want to be the best prepared to respond. I am hopeful to get free airline tickets at some point.