S1 Ep83: Community, leadership and mental health in medicine, with AOA President Robert Piccinini...

Robert G.G. Piccinini, D.O., D.FACN, an adult, geriatric and forensic psychiatrist and recently-appointed president of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), joins the show to talk about leadership, mental and behavioral health and his goals as president.



Music Credits:

Rooftops by Buurd - stock.adobe.com (http://stock.adobe.com/)

Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com (http://stock.adobe.com/)

A Textbook Example by Skip Peck - stock.adobe.com (http://stock.adobe.com/)



Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.



Introduction and Episode Overview (00:00:00) Overview of the episode, guest introduction and topics to be discussed.



Dr. Piccinini’s Background and Career Path (00:01:26) Dr. Piccinini shares his education, training and journey into psychiatry and private practice.



Importance of Community and Mentorship (00:03:12) Discussion on the value of mentorship, community support and its impact on leadership and medicine.



Advice for Physician Mentors (00:04:31) Tips for physicians on mentoring younger colleagues and fostering supportive relationships.



Leadership Philosophy: Strength and Humility (00:06:27) Exploring what it means to lead with strength and humility in the medical profession.



Improving AOA Communication and “Mind the Gap” (00:07:52) Plans to enhance communication within the AOA and ensure all members are connected and heard.



Certifying Board Services Reform (00:10:17) Current certification process and proposed improvements for osteopathic board exams and communication.



Supporting First-Generation Medical Students (00:13:27) Dr. Piccinini’s personal experience as a first-generation physician and initiatives to support similar students.



Physician Mental Health and Barriers to Support (00:17:02) Current state of mental health support for physicians and needed changes to reduce stigma and barriers.



Osteopathic Medicine’s Role in National Health Initiatives (00:20:29) How osteopathic medicine aligns with national health initiatives and the importance of research and whole-person care.



Integrating Behavioral Health into Primary Care (00:22:57) Collaboration between primary care and mental health, strengths and areas for improvement.



Addressing Physician Shortages (00:28:03) Policies and actions needed to increase the number of physicians, especially in primary care.



Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health (00:29:48) Dr. Piccinini’s views on the role and limitations of AI in mental health treatment.



Message to Primary Care Physicians and Building Community (00:33:04) Encouragement for primary care physicians to seek community, support, and connection within osteopathic medicine.



Closing Remarks and Outro (00:36:32) Final thanks, episode wrap-up and information on subscribing to the podcast.