‘In a Word’: Dr. Annie Sadosty on power of integration, mentorship, Necco Wafers
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This column spotlights the kinds of people you think about when you think about Mayo Clinic. They've answered questions, serious and otherwise, so you can know them better.
You see them at bedsides. Behind desks. You may spot them walking down a hall or sprinting across a lobby, making every effort to look like they're walking. You see them talking quietly with a patient and family, or sitting down with you at a meeting. They may be friends, teammates or someone you know only by sight. But you're glad they're here. And it's reassuring to know that the health of our patients, our colleagues and the institution itself rests in their capable, friendly, earnest, caring and compassionate hands.
It was the 10,000 lakes that Minnesota is famous for that drew Annie Sadosty, M.D., an emergency medicine physician and dean of Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, to the state and Mayo Clinic. While Dr. Sadosty and her husband quickly discovered that Olmsted County didn't have any natural lakes, Mayo Clinic had enough staying power to keep them in Minnesota.
Dr. Sadosty has been at Mayo Clinic for 22 years, but she has a few accomplishments prior to her tenure at Mayo that she recalls fondly: dribbling basketballs, running a marathon and buying a vintage red Volkswagen Beetle for $3,000. "Every car since has been a disappointment," she says.
One of my favorite things about Mayo Clinic: The primacy of the primary value.
The single most important thing I did at work yesterday (or expect to do tomorrow): Develop the next generation of physician leaders.
A book I would recommend, or one I want to read (and why): "The Warmth of Other Suns," by Isabel Wilkerson. I was gifted this book by Dr. Joshua Ellis, a mentee of mine. I love to read fiction. This is nonfiction and 600-plus pages long. It sat next to my bed for a few months because it's a commitment. The book is wonderfully written and forever changed the way I look at U.S. cities and The Great Migration. I am so grateful that Dr. Ellis shared this book with me. It is meaningful.
Mayo Clinic has taught me: The sheer power of integration. Also, along the way, I learned that "Saint Marys" should neither be abbreviated nor have an apostrophe.
Most treasured or best advice from a colleague at Mayo: There is nothing a few cymbals or Necco Wafers won't fix.
Most memorable Mayo moment: There are so many cases ― happy and sad. The nature of the cases makes it challenging to single them out without violating someone's privacy. Suffice it to say that for each of the cases, I remember where I was (what room in the Emergency Department), the other team members, and details of each case like they occurred yesterday. Once, one of my patients called 911 from the center of the Emergency Department. If that isn't humbling, I don't know what is.
If I could choose the "hold" music for Mayo Clinic: It would be "The Victors." Go, Blue!
Favorite space on campus this month: Gonda Building lobby during the holiday season. I find it so moving to see patients and our staff pausing to play the piano and take in the music of the holidays.
People who inspire me: I have amazing co-workers in the Department of Emergency Medicine — you know who you are — and outside of the Emergency Department — you know who you are, too — who set the standards so high that I try every day to live up to them. I am ever mindful of how my mentors invested in me, and I try hard every day to pay that forward.
The most fun I've had at work this year: Goodness, you're asking an emergency medicine physician about fun at work during a full-on world pandemic. Not going to lie ― NGL, per my kids ― my clinical work hasn't been a lot of fun this year. It's been really tough. But Sept. 28, 2021 — that was fun. It was the Annual Emergency Medicine faculty vs. Emergency Medicine residents' softball game. It was a beautiful day. Two of the Emergency Department nurses volunteered to officiate the softball game between approximately 20 faculty and 20 residents. Let's just say that the Emergency Medicine residents are still in possession of the Toilet Bowl Trophy.
Team Dr. Charlie or Team Dr. Will? Or Team Mother Alfred or Team Dr. W.W. Why? Team Sister Generose. #BecauseSheWasJustPlainAmazing.
When patients recall their visit to Mayo Clinic, I hope they remember: The way they felt.
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