Leadership and mental health in medicine, with AOA President Robert Piccinini, D.O.

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.

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Music Credits:
Rooftops by Buurd - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
A Textbook Example by Skip Peck - 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.