Julie Westberg, MD, is best known for using data to take action within Obstetrics & Gynecology. Whether it is resident feedback, survey results, or service exam performance, Dr. Westberg has leveraged information to improve resident education and the quality of care for patients.
After identifying a gap in gynecology residents’ perioperative knowledge, Dr. Westberg advocated for adding a novel rotation focused on the skills needed to care for patients undergoing complex surgery. Dr. Westberg also made sure rotations included not only the UC Davis OB/GYN residents, but also KP Family Medicine residents and KP Oakland Urogynecology fellows as well.
Dr. Westberg also built a formal curriculum for new rotations, documenting course objectives, reading goals, and clinical expectations. She continues to maintain, update, and review these documents regularly to ensure they fit the changing needs of the residents.
“Dr. Westberg is an exceptional teacher whose passion for education has expanded opportunities for learners across the Greater Sacramento area. Her leadership in bringing people together around a shared vision has strengthened our training programs,” says Roderick Vitangcol, MD, physician-in-chief, KP Sacramento.
Dr. Westberg sees feedback as a critical part of her role as an educator. She has practiced taking it in, allowing herself time to process it, and thinking about how to incorporate it.
“What sets Dr. Westberg apart is her ability to improve both learning and culture. Her leadership has built a more inclusive and collaborative environment, and she exemplifies excellence in medical education,” says Richard Florio, MD, FACS, physician-in-chief, KP Roseville.
Most recently, Dr. Westberg has started the process to create a new KP OB/GYN residency program based in the Greater Sacramento Valley. This will allow more residents to experience first-hand the evidence-based, quality care provided by Kaiser Permanente’s high performing teams.
“Dr. Westberg is a highly-regarded mentor who has demonstrated a passion for teaching. Her commitment to developing our new program will help drive our value based care model,” says Ted O’Connell, MD, FAAFP, National Medical Director for KP Medical Education.