Interview with Dr. Courtney Ackerman
“Most of us are too hard on ourselves. Give yourself grace. You (we, I) can’t be 100% on, at any one thing at all times.”
Dr. Courtney Ackerman, MD
President of the Medical Staff at White Oak, Medical Center, Adventist.
Courtney Ackerman, MD, recently assumed the role of President of the medical staff at White Oak Medical Center, where she also serves as section chair for the department of hematology and oncology. As a medical oncologist and hematologist, Dr. Ackerman strives to provide personalized, compassionate care to her patients. She believes the relationships formed among patients, families and their oncology team are among the most genuine and meaningful in medicine. She finds these relationships to be one of the most unique and gratifying aspects of being an oncologist.
Dr. Ackerman treats a wide variety of cancers and hematologic disorders, with a particular interest in breast cancer. As a person whose family has been deeply affected by cancer, Dr. Ackerman has a special interest in cancer genetics. She received her certification in genetic cancer risk assessment through City of Hope.
Dr. Ackerman resides in Sykesville with her husband, three young daughters, and dog Sully. She enjoys cooking, entertaining, traveling and Ravens football.
James McKenna recently sat down with Dr. Ackerman to congratulate her on her new role and discuss her career path and wellness practices.
What originally drove you to become a clinician?
I wanted to be a clinician since middle school. I remember dissecting frogs in 7th grade biology class and finding it fascinating. Once I was in medical school, the field of oncology spoke to me. I enjoy the psycho-social aspect of it—working with patients, identifying what’s important to them and helping them through the toughest moments.
My family also had a strong influence on me. While I’m the first physician in my family, my mom was a radiology tech. My aunt died of colon cancer when I was 7. Later, I met a young female oncologist as a third-year med student who stimulated something in me, illuminating the path forward.
How do you make your own health and wellbeing a priority?
Oncology can be difficult. I try to make time for my own maintenance. I see a doctor, for myself and my children. My best friend is an oncologist, too. Its hugely cathartic to have a close friend as a fellow oncologist. We understand each other. We decompress with each other on our ride home from work. It really helps to have someone close and share a unique bond.
When was an occasion when you managed time well? What did that look like?
Time management is difficult for me. I always feel behind. In my office, I have a great support network. My admin and office managers are great and so supportive, helpful and skillful – they make my schedule work. I also have a scribe, who is with me every day. My perpetual “to-do” list is managed by her. Even if we’re rushing, we run thru the “to-do” list of patients. We have a list of “outstanding items.” I’m very visual, so the checklist is huge for me. It gets me through the day.
At home, my amazing husband is great. Our nanny has been with us for 7 years! My parents also live nearby.
When was an occasion when you didn’t manage time well? What contributed to that? What might you do differently next time?
Sometimes I bite off too much. I say “yes” a lot and never say “no” to adding another patient. As we are doing this interview, for example, I am preparing for vacation—my family’s first Disney cruise—while also thinking of all the patients who need to be rescheduled due to the snow.
Even though I have good intentions, I sometimes over-extend. Sometimes documentation gets delayed. The best way to fix it is to take a “time-out.” One day a week, I lock myself in my office to do administrative work and a “do not disturb” sign goes on door.
For my practice, I take care of operational issues, too. My admin will protect me sometimes by closing the floodgates of new patients. Stopping for a minute is key. I can’t keep cramming in more.
What activities and hobbies do you engage in for self-care and to help avoid burnout?
I love cooking. However, I can only do this on weekends, since I’m so busy during the week. Homemade chicken potpie is my favorite food to make and eat! I also love entertaining on the weekend. We’re big on watching Ravens games as family – we have chili and soups based on the opponent we’re playing.
What advice do you have for colleagues who may be experiencing challenges maintaining work-life balance?
Most of us are too hard on ourselves. Give yourself grace. We can’t be 100% on at all times. When you’re home, focus on family. Outsource cleaning and other tasks if you can afford to. The investment is well worth it.