Blogs

AAIM Member Spotlight

Barbara Casper, MD

Vice Chair of Education,
Department of Medicine
Chief, Division of General Internal Medicine University of Louisville School of Medicine

How long have you been a member of AAIM?

I’ve been in medical education for 32 years. I started as an APDIM member when I was a program director at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine Chattanooga.

Describe your typical day.

I was program director for 15 years at the University of Louisville before assuming the role as division chief of general medicine about six years ago. I ended up doing both roles for a while and now focus on being the division chief.

My day varies. I still do quite a bit of inpatient and outpatient clinical work. As a leader and division chair, I attend a ton of meetings and work on scheduling, which never gets boring.

What is your favorite part of the job?

There are two things I really enjoy—seeing patients and mentoring residents and faculty. I have transitioned from mentoring residents to now mentoring junior faculty. I also enjoy teaching in context of patient care.

How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career?

I’ve met some incredible people through the Alliance and really just amazing folks who have helped me with new ideas. As a member of the Alliance advocacy committee, I have had the opportunity to go to Washington, DC on multiple occasions, including Hill Day in conjunction with ACP.

I really credit my experience with the advocacy group for building my confidence and encouraging me to become more active on healthcare issues. It’s led to me being invited to participate in panel discussions on public TV and I’ve done multiple media interviews, including MSNBC.

What's your favorite moment of your career so far?

I feel fortunate that I’ve had so many incredible experiences helping students navigate through medical school. One favorite moment was seeing a student I mentored who had a couple glitches in his pathway in medical school be successfully matched to the residency program of his choice.

What was your childhood dream job?

I wanted to be a doctor ever since I was little. I wanted to help people and really enjoyed science. I was the first woman on either side of my family to actually go to college. I think my family was surprised when I also chose to go to medical school!

How do you spend your free time?

I have two biological children, four step children and five grandchildren and enjoy spending time with family. I have been a runner for forty years and have completed several half marathons. I am interested in politics and advocacy work and have found myself increasingly involved in political rallies since the election.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

I don’t know if I would surprise a lot of people, but I am 5’3” and played point guard on my high school basketball team. I still have a mean outside shot when I play with my grandsons!