ABPM Diplomate’s Career Spans Medicine and the Silver Screen

Dr. Catherine “Cat” Roberts, certified by ABPM in Clinical Informatics, has had the unique opportunity to pursue seemingly disparate passions: medicine and acting. By day she diagnoses, analyzes, and intervenes, but off the clock, she transforms into a seasoned actress, taking on roles ranging from a spaceship communications officer to a criminal mastermind.

Her path to a career in medicine began at an early age, ignit ed by an intense interest in science. “When I was little, I always wished I could look inside people when something was wrong with them,” she says. “It was more than just curiosity – it was an early fascination with the intricate workings of the human body.”

Dr. Roberts’ journey ultimately led her to the subspecialty of Clinical Informatics, which, as she explains, “bridges medicine and technology, allowing me to analyze data, improve patient care, and contribute to medical advancements – it’s the future of healthcare.”

A Christmas gift was the initial spark that ignited her passion for acting. She was given a walk-on role on Star Trek Continues, an award-winning, fan-made continuation of the original Star Trek series. Dr. Roberts’ first on-screen appearance was playing Lieutenant Palmer in episode three, “Fairest of Them All.”

In one of her most recent projects, Dr. Roberts advanced from a supporting cast member to a leading lady. In The Five, a recently released Western, she plays a woman who incites five men to commit a crime. “My supporting actress roles were an honor each time but stepping into the lead felt like stepping onto a new planet. It was a universe unto itself, and I was the captain.”

When it comes to characters she’d love to play, Dr. Roberts names Lieutenant M’Ress of Star Trek, Lady Margot Fenring from the Dune series, Dr. Andrea Cooper from Ben Mezrich’s book, Sex on the Moon, and Virginia Clementine from Rhett Reese’s novel, Anxiety. She says, “These characters’ perspectives, their strength, their struggles – there’s so much depth to explore.”

Despite their seeming incongruity, Dr. Roberts noted that acting and medicine have important connections, saying, “Acting demands empathy, emotional intelligence, and the ability to read people, all skills that translate beautifully into medicine.” Asked if her dual professions influence each other, she replied, “Absolutely! As an actress, I witness diverse emotions and experiences, which enrich my understanding of the practice of medicine. Conversely, medicine keeps me grounded.”

Balancing a full-time medical practice with an acting career requires planning and dedication. “It can be a whirlwind,” Dr. Roberts said, “but the sheer joy of both pursuits fuels my energy.”

For fellow sci-fi-loving physicians, Dr. Roberts offers these recommendations: “The novels written by fellow physicians Michael Crichton and Robin Cook perfectly blend science and suspense. And for pure escapism, the Dune universe is unparalleled.”

In all her pursuits, Dr. Roberts remains a consummate professional. For her, board certification signals her commitment to excellence and constant improvement: “Board certification in Clinical Informatics,” she says, “validates my expertise and knowledge, ensuring I offer the best possible care to my patients.”

To other ABPM Diplomates, Dr. Roberts says, “Embrace your passions, whatever they may be. Pursue excellence, both in medicine and beyond. Remember, we’re more than diagnoses and data points – we’re individuals with unique talents and stories to tell. Let’s celebrate that.”

Happy Spring!

First, I’d like to extend my hearty congratulations to the 802 physicians who successfully passed the certification exams in 2023 and who make up ABPM’s newest cohort of diplomates! On behalf of the Board, I welcome you to the ABPM community, and I am excited to see what you will achieve as the next generation of leaders in preventive medicine.

Like deep cleaning, turning our clocks forward, or planning a garden, there are a few unique rites and rituals ABPM practices every spring.

As many of you know, every March ABPM welcomes qualified residents, fellows, and experienced physicians to apply to take its certification exams. This year we are pleased to add Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM) to our portfolio of subspecialties. I encourage physicians who are currently certified in an ABPM specialty or subspecialty and who meet the eligibility criteria to apply for the 2024 HALM certification exam through ABPM. Learn about eligibility for all ABPM certification exams and begin your application on our website.

Every spring, both Board members and staff have the honor of meeting with diplomates, applicants, and trainees at our partner specialty societies’ annual conferences – 2024 is no exception! This spring we’re looking forward to attending the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 55th Annual Conference, the American College of Preventive Medicine’s (ACPM) Preventive Medicine 2024 Conference, the Aerospace Medical Association (AsMA) Annual Scientific Conference, the American Occupational Health Conference (AOHC), and the Undersea & Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) Annual Scientific Meeting. Please be sure to stop at ABPM’s booth at these conferences to ask questions, give feedback, or just say hi – we would love to meet you!

Speaking of meeting each other, keep reading this issue to learn about the recent accomplishments of your colleagues in the ABPM community. From positions influencing national healthcare, to the International Space Station, to movie sets, ABPM diplomates are going places!

Do you have a recent accomplishment you’d like to share with others in the preventive medicine field or a non-traditional hobby or work experience that intersects with your medical practice? We’d love to hear from you and, potentially, to feature your story in a future issue of this newsletter – send us an email!

With warm thoughts for spring,

Wendy E. Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM

Happy new year! All of us at ABPM wish you the best in 2024, both professionally and personally.

The Board is looking forward to another year of progress in 2024. We’re entering the second year of the first phase of the new Continuing Certification Program (CCP). This year, we’re gearing up for the second phase of the CCP, including further developing the longitudinal assessment program (LAP) for each of ABPM’s specialties and subspecialties. I am grateful for the over 70 volunteers who have lent their time, knowledge, and experience to write and review LAP questions – creating an innovative alternative to the traditional MOC exam would simply be impossible without this amazing group of physicians!

This year, ABPM will continue to collaborate with other organizations to increase the visibility of preventive medicine. At the very productive annual meeting between ABPM leadership and the executive leadership of each of our partner specialty societies in November 2023, we discussed how the Board and the societies can work together to ensure that the CCP and other ABPM programs are supporting our diplomates in their pursuit of lifelong learning and improvement. We also talked about raising the profile of preventive medicine specialties and subspecialties, not only in the house of medicine but also among medical students and physicians looking for a career change. ABPM will be continuing this conversation on these important topics in the coming year.

Once again this year, ABPM is going on the road! We’ll be attending the annual specialty society meetings and we’re looking forward to meeting our diplomates in person. ABPM staff are ready to answer your questions about initial certification and continuing certification. Check the calendar on the ABPM website and updates on our LinkedIn page to find out where we’re going next.

In 2024, as every year, we will also be selecting new members for our Board. I am excited to welcome new perspectives to our Board and, speaking on behalf of the Board, we are gratified that each year we are privileged to consider an eminently qualified slate of nominees. This summer we will be seeking nominations for the public member position and for an Occupational and Environmental Medicine representative position. Stay tuned for details!

At ABPM, we are excited and hopeful for the new year.

With best wishes for happiness and good health in 2024,

Wendy E. Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM

David C. Miller, DO, MPH, FAsMA, was elected to the ABPM’s Board of Directors in January 2023 and began his term as an Aerospace Medicine representative in August 2023.

Dr. Miller told us a little about his background, his goals for his time on the Board, and more, in our interview with him. You can learn more about Dr. Miller’s background here.

What led you to a career in medicine and, specifically, the specialty of Aerospace Medicine?

What a great question! The answer was born out of the very common, altruistic, almost overused answers of “I want to help people” and “I want to make a difference in the world”. I began by volunteering in a veterinary clinic, considering a career in veterinary medicine, and found a great focus on disease prevention. However, I also discovered that “the issue is usually not the issue”. In other words, the pet cat scratching the furniture, or the pet dog chewing on shoes was often a result of a deeper issue, usually in the pet’s owner. As I talked to pet owners, I found that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation” (Thoreau). It was volunteering in veterinary medicine where I found my call to work with people who were suffering or were unable to identify and address underlying concerns that had tremendous impacts on their health, and the health of those around them. The decision for Aerospace Medicine was much easier! In high school Junior ROTC, I had the opportunity to participate in some familiarization flights and fell in love with aviation and the community. I became conflicted: do I help those who are suffering or pursue aviation? Thankfully, I found an advisor who offered, “Why not both?”

What is the value of board certification for you?

Board certification in Aerospace Medicine clearly identifies those who have had advanced training and experience in all aspects of the specialty, from undersea and hyperbaric medicine to cis-lunar orbit and beyond. Certification validates the education from high-value residencies that are focused on training leaders in the fields of Aerospace Medicine. The ability to successfully pass the rigorous examinations and complete an accredited residency or fellowships demonstrates to my patients (and my potential employers) that I have the capability to excel in any environment.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the ABPM’s Board of Directors?

I have two primary goals during my term with the Board of Directors. The first is to improve educational opportunities for those interested in our exciting specialty, including improving access to board certification exams at the end of residency and enhancing funding opportunities to allow more residents to attend and successfully complete the existing accredited programs. I have also had the opportunity to discuss an additional possible civilian residency that would be fully accredited and help support the increasing demand for civil and international aviation partners. The second is to boost the value of board certification, and the understanding of that value through projects that are not yet ready for open release…stay tuned!

What hobbies or other activities do you enjoy outside of work?

I really enjoy time in the outdoors, and the woods, lakes, and beaches of Maine in the fall and winter are the best times to experience the outdoors! Kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and yes, long walks on the beach are some of my favorite activities. To be honest, I spend a lot of that time looking under water or up into the sky, but it isn’t work if I’m having fun, right?

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself with the ABPM community?

I have a fantastic wife and two phenomenal daughters, and we get to share the outdoors together!

Paul “PJ” Jung, MD, MPH, FACPM, is one of ABPM’s newest Board members, having started his term as a Public Health and General Preventive Medicine representative in August 2023.

Dr. Jung graciously answered a few questions about himself. You can learn more about Dr. Jung’s background here.

What led you to a career in medicine and, specifically, the specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine?

I chose medicine because I felt it was the best career for my skills and interests, and it provided an opportunity to further my interests in social impact. The biggest surprise was the magnitude of dysfunction in the U.S. health system. So I chose the specialty that I thought would best prepare physicians to assess and address the systemic issues in addition to delivering patient care.

What is the value of board certification to you?

In a word, commitment. Board certification signals that the physician is not only competent and aspires to the highest levels of professionalism and skill, but that the physician is committed to demonstrating a willingness to maintain the highest levels of proficiency and be recognized for it.

What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the ABPM Board of Directors?

I want to work with the Board to ensure that we set the highest standards for our specialty. At the same time, we need to make sure that our standards are both practical and responsive to the needs of our diplomates. Our specialty is changing, and so is the nature of certification. Hopefully ABPM can not only keep pace with the change but also lead and direct the change. I believe ABPM is on the right course and is ready to lead and set that standard.

What hobbies or other activities do you enjoy outside of work? 

I write. In longhand, with a pen. It’s a habit that has led to international conferences and several publications, including some on our specialty of Preventive Medicine. And since the pen is mightier than the sword, I practice as much as I can.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself with the ABPM community?

It’s an honor for me to serve on the ABPM Board of Directors. I’m looking forward to all the important work ahead of us.

As we return to the familiar routine of fall after a busy summer, I am grateful that you chose to take some time to read this issue of ABPM’s newsletter!

First and foremost, I wish all the very best to the physicians taking the ABPM certification exams this month! This year, over 900 candidates will take at least one ABPM exam. I am gratified by the continued interest in preventive medicine specialties and subspecialties among young physicians, as evidenced by the consistent number of examinees from year to year.

While examinees have been busy studying for this fall’s exams, the Board and our volunteers have been at work, too. The Board of Directors met in August for a productive mid-year meeting – keep reading this issue to learn about just a few of the updates from the meeting.

It wasn’t all work, though. The same weekend as the Board meeting, we also celebrated ABPM’s 75th anniversary. A highlight of the celebration was a special congratulatory message from the International Space Station!

Also this summer, the Longitudinal Assessment Program (LAP) Subcommittees met in Chicago to review questions drafted by each member. While the Clinical Informatics LAP Subcommittee has been at work for a few years already to develop the LAP pilot for diplomates in their subspecialty, subcommittees for the remaining ABPM specialties and subspecialties began writing LAP questions this year. Speaking on behalf of both ABPM’s Board and staff, we are incredibly grateful for the hours of hard work each LAP subcommittee member volunteers to ensure the LAP is relevant and meaningful for ABPM diplomates. The LAP will launch in 2025. Learn more at the ABPM website.

I am thankful for the dedication and hard work of each Director, Sub-Board Chair, and volunteer. The support of our volunteers has been instrumental to the ABPM’s success for over 75 years and will continue to be into the future!

Please be sure to read the rest of this issue – it includes updates from ABPM’s Board of Directors meeting, interviews with our newest Board members, and news from our partner specialty societies!

All the best,

Wendy E. Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM

Chicago, IL, June 22, 2023: The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) is pleased to announce that Duncan G. Hughes, MD, MPH, will headline ABPM’s 75th Anniversary Gala as its keynote speaker. ABPM is hosting the Gala in Chicago on August 12, 2023.

After having spent nearly 28 years serving in the United States Air Force, Dr. Hughes became the Medical Director of HealthWorks, an Occupational Medicine practice that supports an 8,500-person hospital system. Subsequently, in October 2022, he joined Virgin Galactic as its Chief Medical Officer. In this position, he leads the development and implementation of medical assessments, standards, policies, and procedures to ensure the health and safety of flight crews and to provide effective care before, during, and after space flights.

Dr. Hughes maintains ABPM Certification in both Aerospace Medicine and Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He is also certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.

“As a dual-boarded ABPM Diplomate who also has experience as a public health emergency officer, Dr. Hughes will provide a unique perspective, not only on the value of ABPM Certification, but also on the exciting work of Space Medicine that so many of our Diplomates engage in today,” said ABPM Chair, Wendy E. Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM. “ABPM Diplomates serve in diverse leadership positions at a variety of organizations. Many – including Aerospace Medicine physicians like Dr. Hughes who are establishing protocols for commercial and private spaceflight safety – are reaching to the leading edge of science to protect the health of specific populations and the American people at large. We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Hughes as the Gala’s keynote speaker and anticipate his address highly.”

The ABPM’s 75th Anniversary Gala will take place on the evening of Saturday, August 12, 2023, aboard the motor-yacht Chicago Elite, embarking from Navy Pier to cruise on Lake Michigan and treat attendees to stunning views of the world-famous Chicago skyline. In addition to Dr. Hughes’ keynote speech, the evening will include a cocktail reception, dinner, and dancing in celebration of the ABPM’s first 75 years.

The ABPM is an ABMS Member Board. Founded in 1948, ABPM works with the ABMS in the development of standards for the ongoing assessment and certification of over 12,000 physicians certified by the ABPM in the specialties of Aerospace Medicine, Occupational & Environmental Medicine, and Public Health & General Preventive Medicine; and in the subspecialties of Addiction Medicine, Clinical Informatics, Medical Toxicology, and Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine.

July 2023

Thank you reading this issue of ABPM’s newsletter; all of us at ABPM are looking forward to another busy (and fun!) summer.

2023 marks the 75th anniversary of ABPM’s incorporation. Since 1948, ABPM has led certification in the specialties and subspecialties of Preventive Medicine. In August, both current and former Board members of the ABPM will gather in Chicago for a night of celebration; we are especially looking forward to hearing our keynote speaker, Dr. Duncan G. Hughes, an ABPM Diplomate and the Chief Medical Officer for Virgin Galactic.

ABPM has come a long way from offering one certification exam (in Public Health) in 1948 to now certifying physicians in three specialties and four subspecialties. You can learn more at https://www.theabpm.org/abpm-1948-2023/ where we’ve gathered highlights from our history to honor ABPM’s 75th anniversary. From our beginnings in 1948 through today, ABPM’s success can be traced back to ABPM Diplomates’ commitment to their mission of improving the health of the populations they serve. I am grateful to the ABPM Diplomates who laid the foundation for excellence in Preventive Medicine, to the current Diplomates who continue the legacy of the past while building their own, and to future Diplomates who will meet the challenges of the next century and beyond.

The members of ABPM’s Board of Directors, their unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts to carry out the Board’s mission are a core part of that enduring legacy. This summer I am especially grateful to Dr. Cheryl Lowry and Dr. Christopher Sullivan who will complete their terms on the Board following our August Board meeting. Both Dr. Lowry, who served as the Vice Chair for Aerospace Medicine, and Dr. Sullivan, who served as the Board’s Secretary/Treasurer and who represented Public Health and General Preventive Medicine, are passionate advocates for their individual specialties and Preventive Medicine as a whole. Their presence on the Board will be sorely missed!

While we say goodbye to Drs. Lowry and Sullivan, the Board welcomes two new members, who will begin their terms immediately following the August Board meeting: Dr. Paul “PJ” Jung, who will represent Public Health and General Preventive Medicine; and Dr. David Miller, who will represent Aerospace Medicine. Drs. Jung and Miller bring a wealth of expertise and fresh perspectives to the Board and we are so happy to have them. Stay tuned to learn more about them in a future issue.

Finally, if you are or know an Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician who is interested in joining the Board, please be sure to keep reading to learn how you can submit a nomination this summer. Based on the number of highly qualified nominations we have received over the past several years for a variety of open Board positions, the future of our specialty looks bright!

All the best for a happy and healthy summer,

Wendy E. Braund, MD, MPH, MSEd, FACPM

Robert M. Bourgeois, MD, MPH, FACOEM, is an Occupational and Environmental Medicine physician based in Louisiana, an ABPM Diplomate, and a member of ABPM’s Occupational and Environmental Medicine Exam Subcommittee. He is also a proud member of the Louisiana State University Health Science Center Class of 1983, which celebrates its 40-year class reunion this year.

Dr. Bourgeois talked to us about his career, the value he finds in board certification, and his advice for young physicians – and shared some amazing photos!

What led you to a career in medicine and, specifically, Occupational & Environmental Medicine?

My Dad and my uncle are physicians and I always admired their impact on the lives of others. I started out in a Surgery residency, but switched to an Emergency Medicine residency. I realized very early that EM was not something I wanted to be doing later in life. When I realized how much impact I could have on the health of others, especially changes through Population Health, I fell hard for OEM [Occupational and Environmental Medicine].

What is your day-to-day practice as an OEM physician like?

Everyday can be different, I never know what my day will be like until it is over. I can get a challenging question from an ocean-going vessel two weeks from the nearest land with very limited medical care; see a patient with an acute exposure to hydrofluoric acid; consult on a diver working 800 feet underwater; or review some employee medical reports to help craft a policy to improve the health of the entire group; some days I may help provide input to State or Federal agencies to improve the workplace environment, health and safety.

What would you like other (non-OEM) physicians to know about Occupational & Environmental Medicine?

OEM as a specialty is consistently ranked as one of the highest in job satisfaction. If affords you with a great life-work balance. It is difficult to find OEM physicians who hate their jobs. Many of my friends in other specialties appear to have disliked their career choices since day one.

What advice would you give to a young physician considering a career in Occupational & Environmental Medicine?

Since OEM is such a diverse and rich specialty it allows for one of the best work-life balances of ANY Specialty. The effect we have with population health impacting so many lives at once is very gratifying. I have so many friends that wish that they were in another specialty but didn’t know about OEM until now. They are always blown away by the things that we are able to do in OEM.

  Why did you choose to become certified and what is the value of board certification for you?

I became board certified because many companies / clients seek those physicians with additional expertise. Being board certified in OEM opened a lot of doors from me. My Emergency Medicine boards only helped me with large hospitals and trauma centers, not so much with most corporate work.

How would you describe your experience as a volunteer for the ABPM exam item-writing subcommittee?

I have used my clinical skills to try to write questions that relate to realistic patient experiences. Instead of a memorization of facts, these questions are meant to be reasoned.

What value have you received as a member of the subcommittee?

Keeping up with new diseases, evaluations, treatments and preventions that we may not see in our practice is challenging. By helping to write some of these questions, it makes new learning more enjoyable.

Any notable stories from your interactions with ABPM?

When ABPM supported having Preventive Medicine, Aerospace and Occupational & Environmental Medicine listed as separate specialties through ACGME, I was serving as the ACOEM President. Working with ABPM to facilitate this change I was able to see how hard the ABPM works for us all. The added visibility of our specialties is crucial to attracting more physicians to our residency programs.

What hobbies or other activities do you enjoy outside of work?

We enjoy travelling, fishing, hunting, anything in the outdoors and family time. OEM allowed me to do all of these things throughout my career. I don’t think I would have been able to do nearly as much in any of my prior specialties.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with the ABPM community about yourself?

I can’t imagine being happier in any specialty other than Occupational & Environmental Medicine. I am blessed to have been able to do work that I truly love. Thank you, ABPM and ACOEM.