Dr. Caitlin Collins

Saffanat Sumra: So, to start off, would you mind talking a bit about yourself and your role?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: I was born and raised in Kansas City, which is always a touchy subject around Super Bowl time in San Francisco due to the rivalry between the 49ers and the Chiefs. I spent my adolescence in Kansas City, then went to the East Coast for college and med school. I knew I wasn't interested in going to the South but wanted to check out the West Coast. I recognized that if I didn't do it for residency, I probably would never be taken seriously as someone who would move across the country to the West Coast after that. I applied for residency out here and was fortunate enough to get a spot at UCSF. I ended up staying at UCSF for my fellowship and now as a junior faculty member. I work in the Division of Acute Care Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, doing acute care surgery at Parnassus, and working on the trauma service and in the surgical ICU at the San Francisco General, which is the only level one trauma center in San Francisco.

Saffanat Sumra: You've embraced the "you can stay forever" mentality.

Dr. Caitlin Collins: Yes, though I'm not a complete lifer since I didn't go to med school here.

Saffanat Sumra: I'm glad you stayed! So what impact has mentorship had on your career so far?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: It's had an extensive impact. I've had the fortune of being at UCSF where I'm not the only person who looks like me or is interested in the work I'm doing. This has been tremendously advantageous because I have people I can look to for guidance. I've had several mentors in various capacities throughout my training who can hear what I'm saying, synthesize it, and provide advice about vision, strategy, or next steps to accomplish my goals.

Just like my mentors, the sponsors I've had during my training have also been very important. We don't talk about sponsorship as much as mentorship, but they're different and important in unique ways. I'm grateful for my mentors, some of whom have also served as sponsors, but I want to give a strong shout-out to my sponsors, including members of the Muriel Steel Society. Sponsorship involves putting your name in for opportunities, even if you don't get the award or position. Just having your name mentioned in these rooms matters. It's representation and acknowledgment without the expectation of getting anything in return.

Saffanat Sumra: That's interesting. This is one of the few times I've heard about sponsors, especially among medical students. Could you summarize the main difference between mentors and sponsors based on your experience?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: When I think of a mentor, I think of someone who helps guide you, helps you strategize, and is willing to have honest conversations with you. They point out weaknesses, opportunities for growth, and blind spots. They help narrow your vision to get you from point A to point B and may share interesting opportunities like grant announcements or programs you could enroll in.

A sponsor, on the other hand, puts your name out there in circles. They nominate you for awards, suggest you for committee positions, and throw your name in the hat for high-visibility opportunities, sometimes without you even knowing. It's incredibly impactful for people's careers and overall success, and it's important to acknowledge because some people are excellent at doing this, but it's not always recognized how important it is.

Saffanat Sumra: That's amazing. Thank you for explaining that. Could you talk a bit more about your interests academically, clinically, or outside of the clinic?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: I've always had an interest in social justice and health equity as it pertains to my role in the healthcare system. My main research focus outside of my clinical activities is working with the Wraparound Project, which is our hospital-based violence intervention program at San Francisco General Hospital. We help connect victims of violent injury like stab wounds, gunshot wounds, and assaults with wraparound services such as long-term case management, basic services like food and clothes, job training, and assistance with completing tasks.

The Wraparound Project employs violence prevention professionals (VPPs) who are often from the community and have a similar lived experience to our patients. Some of them have even been patients at San Francisco General Hospital. Our goal is to break the cycle of violence, where we see someone come in as a victim and then return years later with a more severe injury or end up in the morgue. We're applying a public health approach to violence in the city.

While it's rewarding to save someone's life as a trauma surgeon, it can be disheartening to send them back into the same circumstances that led them to you in the first place. The Wraparound Project allows me to feel like I'm doing something more than just being one cog in the wheel.

Saffanat Sumra: So you're really trying to get to the root cause of the trauma cycle and break that cycle. That's really cool. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received? This doesn't have to be in surgery.

Dr. Caitlin Collins: One of the best pieces of advice I've received, which is relevant to surgical training but more importantly to life, is that you are the only person who can determine your value. If you're looking for external validation to determine your value, you will always feel inadequate or be left disappointed. Nobody can appreciate your value unless you can appreciate it yourself. You can't expect other people to see that if you're not reflecting it.

This is something I try to consciously act in alignment with because there will always be critics, no matter what field you're in. In the integrated world of social media, you can't post something without getting comments. It's important that people understand their own value, live in accordance with it, and make decisions based on how they define their value.

Saffanat Sumra: I love that. It's very timely for anyone who might be experiencing imposter syndrome and looking for external validation. If not surgery, what would you be doing career-wise?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: I used to think maybe I'd be a detective because I enjoy piecing things together and figuring out motives. But realistically, I think I'd want to do something with a social justice focus. So, maybe a civil rights lawyer. Saffanat Sumra: That sounds great! What are you most proud of, personally and professionally?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: Professionally, I'm most proud of the work I've done with the Wraparound Project. It's been incredibly rewarding to see the impact we've had on individuals' lives and the broader community. We've been able to help break cycles of violence and provide support to those who need it most.

Personally, I'm proud of maintaining a work-life balance despite the demanding nature of my career. I've managed to cultivate meaningful relationships and pursue interests outside of medicine, which I believe makes me a better physician and person overall.

Saffanat Sumra: That's wonderful. How do you maintain that work-life balance in such a demanding field?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: It's definitely challenging, but I've found that setting clear boundaries and prioritizing self-care is crucial. I make sure to schedule time for activities I enjoy, whether it's exercise, reading, or spending time with loved ones. I've also learned to say no to commitments that don't align with my goals or values. It's an ongoing process, but it's essential for long-term sustainability in this field.

Saffanat Sumra: That's great advice. Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring medical students or residents who are interested in pursuing a career similar to yours?

Dr. Caitlin Collins: I would encourage them to stay true to their passions and not be afraid to pursue unconventional paths within medicine. It's important to seek out mentors and sponsors who can guide and support you along the way. Also, don't underestimate the power of networking and building relationships within your field.

I'd also emphasize the importance of self-reflection and understanding your own values. This will help you make decisions that align with your goals and maintain job satisfaction in the long run. Lastly, remember that your unique perspective and experiences are valuable assets in healthcare. Don't be afraid to bring your whole self to your work and advocate for changes you believe in.

Saffanat Sumra: Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences with us. It's been truly inspiring and informative.

Dr. Caitlin Collins: Thank you for having me. I'm always happy to share my experiences and hopefully provide some guidance to those coming up in the field. Best of luck in your studies and future career!