Dr. Fritz Baumgartner is a cardiothoracic surgeon, educator, and medical ethics scholar based mostly in Los Angeles. His profession displays a transparent deal with affected person care, technical excellence, and the deeper goal of medication.
Raised by immigrant dad and mom who valued religion, self-discipline, and repair, Dr. Baumgartner developed an early curiosity in medication after a severe sickness in his household. He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude in Biology from Loyola Marymount College, incomes the Karl Kadner Biology Award. He later accomplished his MD at UCLA College of Medication, adopted by surgical coaching at Harbor-UCLA and a cardiothoracic fellowship on the College of British Columbia.
Within the mid-Nineties, he served as Appearing Head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgical procedure at Harbor-UCLA Medical Heart. There, he led complicated surgical instances, together with superior cardiac procedures and high-risk trauma operations. His work in a county hospital setting uncovered him to a number of the most extreme and superior illness shows.
Alongside his medical work, Dr. Baumgartner has constructed a robust fame in schooling. He has skilled residents, fellows, and doctor assistants, and acquired Preceptor of the Yr honours in 2022. He additionally based the Surgical procedure 101 Technical Expertise Boot Camp, providing a sensible introduction to surgical procedure for college kids.
His educational work focuses on the Hippocratic Oath and medical ethics. He continues to advocate for a patient-first strategy, grounded in each science and ethical accountability.
Contained in the Profession of Dr. Fritz Baumgartner: Surgical procedure, Ethics, and Function
Q: What first drew you to medication?
I used to be about 9 years outdated. My mom turned very ailing throughout being pregnant. I bear in mind pondering that I needed to assist folks like her. I made a promise to myself that I’d spend my life serving to the sick. That call stayed with me.
Q: How did your upbringing form your strategy to your profession?
My dad and mom have been immigrants. My mom grew up throughout the battle in Germany. She advised us tales about concern and survival. Religion was crucial in our house. We weren’t rich, however we had sturdy values. That formed how I see medication. It’s about service, not standing.
Q: You skilled at UCLA and Harbor-UCLA. What stood out throughout these years?
The depth. At Harbor-UCLA, you see superior illness and severe trauma. Sufferers usually are available in late. You need to act shortly and make tough choices. It forces you to deal with what issues most.
Q: You later turned Appearing Head of Cardiothoracic Surgical procedure. What was that have like?
It was demanding. We dealt with complicated cardiac and thoracic instances each day. Aortic dissections, bypass surgical procedures, lung most cancers resections. You’re liable for outcomes and for main the staff. It teaches self-discipline and readability.
Q: Are you able to share a case that stayed with you?
One was a affected person with a gunshot wound to the pulmonary hilus. That damage is usually deadly. We have been capable of save the affected person with a trauma pneumonectomy. It required fast pondering and teamwork. These moments stick with you.
Q: You might have additionally labored throughout the VA system. What did that contain?
I led the cardiac surgical procedure programme on the Wadsworth VA for a interval. I additionally directed a thoracoscopic surgical procedure coaching programme. It was an opportunity to assist develop surgical methods and educate others.
Q: Schooling appears to be a significant a part of your work. Why is that essential to you?
Medication is handed down. You be taught from these earlier than you, and also you educate these after you. I’ve labored with residents, fellows, and doctor assistant college students for a few years. Instructing retains you sharp and grounded.
Q: What led you to create the Surgical procedure 101 Technical Expertise Boot Camp?
I needed to make surgical procedure extra accessible to college students. Many programmes begin with idea. I reversed it. College students be taught hands-on abilities first. That builds pleasure. Then they’re extra engaged with the science behind it.
Q: You might have written in regards to the Hippocratic Oath. Why does it matter in the present day?
It defines the aim of medication. It reminds us that the affected person comes first. Trendy techniques can change into complicated. The Oath brings readability. It’s a ethical anchor.
Q: How do you view the connection between religion and science?
They aren’t in battle. Reality is constant. Science explains how issues work. Religion helps information why we do what we do. In medication, each are essential.
Q: What recommendation would you give to future surgeons?
Keep targeted on the affected person. Study your craft properly. Work exhausting. However don’t lose sight of why you selected medication. That goal will information you thru tough moments.
