It’s Tough to Keep Up with New ABR Trustee

New ABR Trustee Jeff Michalski, MD, says he likes doing things that require his full attention. That goes beyond his work as a professor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

Dr. Michalski spends his free time going all-in on challenging activities, including deep-sea fishing in Alaska and downhill skiing on some of the country’s toughest tracks.

“If I’m not paying attention, I’m going to hurt myself,” he said. “I love downhill skiing. You’ll often find me going down black diamonds with moguls or trees.”

It’s all true, says former ABR Trustee Brian Davis, MD. The two have gone on ski trips together, allowing Dr. Davis to see his colleague’s expertise on the slopes. Dr. Michalski sets a tough pace.

“If you ski with him, be forewarned that he doesn’t waste time getting down the hill,” Dr. Davis said.

Dr. Davis remembers a trip the pair made to ski in Park City, Utah, a few years ago. He found it difficult to stay on his feet as Dr. Michalski went rushing down the slopes.

“The one day he and I skied alone together was overcast and my transition glasses didn’t do me any good … a small part of my excuse,” Dr. Davis said. “I skied 20 days and had five minor falls the whole season. Three of them were on that day I was trying to keep up with Jeff.”

Keeping up with Dr. Michalski isn’t easy. His fishing trips to Alaska, for example, start at 5 a.m. and sometimes last until 11 p.m., thanks to the nearly all-day light available there in the summer.

Just like skiing, fishing is a great way for him to put professional obligations aside for a while.

“When I’m out fishing, I can forget about work,” Dr. Michalski said. “It’s a good distraction.”

Dr. Michalski also brings this level of intensity to his volunteer work with the ABR. Having Dr. Davis’ professional respect helped Dr. Michalski gain consideration for a spot on the ABR Board of Trustees (BOT) as a radiation oncology representative. Dr. Michalski’s long volunteer tenure, including time as a committee chair, were good qualifications for the next step.

When Dr. Davis’ time on the BOT ended after two terms this past October, he suggested his respected colleague replace him. The two had worked together on computer-based and oral exam committees.

“When he put my name forward, there was a vetting process,” Dr. Michalski said. “There was in no way a guarantee that it was a done deal just because he asked me.”

Dr. Michalski eventually was accepted as one of seven new Trustees who were seated this year. Six became Trustees at the end of the fall board meeting; Sherwin Chan, MD, started earlier as the diagnostic radiology pediatrics representative when Stephen Simoneaux, MD, moved to the Board of Governors (BOG).

Although the incoming Trustees were, by rule, more observers than participants at their first meeting, Dr. Michalski said he can see that the BOT and BOG are working to tackle obstacles and take advantage of opportunities that lie ahead.

“They were very much roll up your sleeves and let’s get things done,” he said. “What are some of the challenges that we faced this past year? Are there challenges that we need to fix in how we administer and function? Are there problems that we need to communicate to the programs that train radiologists and radiation oncologists?”

Part of the meeting included discussions about avoiding conflicts of interest. Those rules must be followed by the approximately 1,300 volunteers who give their time to the ABR, not just Board members. They especially apply to Initial Certification exams given for each of the four specialties certified by the ABR.

“As a Trustee, Governor, or examiner, you’re a representative of the ABR and you shouldn’t be talking about exam content outside a specified vehicle,” Dr. Michalski. “We don’t want colleagues to have an inside track to passing or knowing about the exam. There’s a high level of honor and respect for the process.”

There are processes to most everything Dr. Michalski does, including an award-winning hobby. Dr. Michalski makes beer at home and was invited to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis to create batches. It’s another enjoyable diversion from his workweek.

“I’m fermenting an English porter,” he said in November. “On tap, I’ve got an English bitter and a Belgian honey wheat. I’ve made pilsners and IPAs. Pale ales are fun and easy to do. I’ve won awards for an Irish stout. I do whatever fancies me.”