Zeb Henson, MD
Clerkship Director and Medicine-Pediatrics Residency Program Director
University of Mississippi School of Medicine
How long have you been a member of AAIM?
My first meeting was the 2009 Chief Resident meeting in Dallas. I couldn’t believe there were so many people in one place who cared about doing medical education the best way possible!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Having a hand—albeit small—in individual success stories is what keeps me going in these roles. To watch a resident go from struggling, feeling behind or overwhelmed, to becoming a competent graduate ready for unsupervised practice is the deepest joy I can get in this work. It reminds me that no matter how good our systems are, the job requires us as PDs and CDs to strive to make a unique mark on everyone we train. Plus, this job keeps me young (or at least pretending to be young)!
How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career?
I am humbled and inspired by all the innovation and collaboration done across the country. I look forward to AAIM week every year and coming to my hospital with “new” ideas that aren’t that new, after all.
When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in the medical field?
That’s hard to say. I don’t know that I had one “moment” that sealed the deal for me. But the more I began to realize I had a call to serve people and a skill to do it through medicine, the more I felt an irresistible pull to the medical field.
What or who inspires you and why?
My work ethic comes from my dad, no doubt. He was up early every day of my childhood and was known around our town as the best at what he did. If I can be half as good at this job as he was at his, then I think I’ll be ok. But in medical education, my inspiration comes from those I get to lead and train. My Med/Peds residents make me a better PD. They set a high bar, and if I’m going to survive in this job, I’ve got to reach that bar.
What advice would you give to those who wish to pursue a career in this industry?
First of all, start with Why. Why do you want to be part of medical education…. What has sustained me in this work for 16 years is trying to put others first and judge my success by theirs. If someone is considering a career in medical education, I would suggest writing a reminder like that somewhere that allows you to see it every day. It’s people, people, people—that should be our Why.
What is your favorite book or movie?
Hard to say. I’ve got 3 spiritual books I re-read on a rotating basis every year that have had a big impact on me. And it’s not a book or movie, but I’ve dusted off my DVD player to re-watch The West Wing from beginning to end—it’s so good. Everything I know about leadership, I think I learned from President Bartlett!