Dr. Michele Soltis is one of ABPM’s new Directors, having started her term in August 2024. Based in Falls Church, Virginia, she serves as the Chief Consultant to The Army Surgeon General. Dr. Soltis has supported ABPM’s work since 2018 as a productive member of its Public Health and General Preventive Medicine exam subcommittee.
What led you to a career in medicine and, specifically, the specialty of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine?
I recall first wanting to pursue a career in medicine after meeting my former pediatrician, Dr. Suzie. Dr. Suzie’s extraordinary competence and remarkable kindness both inspired her patients (especially this one!) and impressed their parents. At a time when there were very few female physicians practicing in my hometown, Dr. Suzie proved one could attend to patients, serve the community, and nurture a family with equal measure. I always wanted to try to be just like Dr. Suzie – and even forty-some years later, I think of her and strive to emulate the compassion and care she shared.
While I did consider pathways in pediatrics, obstetrics, and child psychiatry, it was the tremendous scope of Public Health and General Preventive Medicine that ensnared me – hook, line, and sinker! While completing a medical school rotation in Public Health and General Preventive Medicine at Madigan Army Medical Center, I fell in love with the “choose your own adventure” nature of the specialty. I came to understand and appreciate that there are few (if any) other medical specialties which train and encourage its practitioners to not only engage in direct patient care, but to also participate in important research, development, and other academic endeavors, as well as to manage programs, inform policies and lead health systems to protect and promote the safety and well-being of populations. Every day I am excited to learn new ways in which Public Health and General Preventive Medicine physicians employ interdisciplinary approaches to proactively impact the health of individuals and their communities.
What is the value of board certification for you?
Board certification irrefutably demonstrates the physician has met and mastered the established knowledge, skill, and ability standards for the specialty. To me, board certification unequivocally showcases competence, undeniably communicates credibility, and ultimately instills confidence in patients, peers, and potential employers alike. Just as the MasterCard commercials noted, I believe the value of board certification is truly “priceless.”
What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the ABPM’s Board of Directors?
I look forward to working with the Board to assist with the continued implementation and evolution of the ABPM’s Continuing Certification Program, to include the Public Health and General Preventive Medicine specialty and Health Care Administration, Leadership, and Management subspecialty Longitudinal Assessment Programs. I am eager to assist with routinely assessing and potentially revising these important educational and evaluative measures to ensure they purposefully enhance the professional performance of Diplomates.
What hobbies or other activities do you enjoy outside of work?
I really enjoy learning more about different wines, love all things Halloween, collect Fiestaware dishes, and make it a personal goal to watch every movie nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award each year. I am also on quests with my husband and son to visit as many National Parks as possible and to ride the ten tallest roller coasters in the country.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about yourself with the ABPM community?
I am so proud to be a member of our ABPM community and excited to advocate for our incredible Public Health specialties and subspecialties!