Rosenbaum pursues new leadership role at Baylor Clinic
By Ross Tomlin
With 27 years of private practice under his belt, internist Steve Rosenbaum, M.D., had considered academic medicine about as far off his radar screen as Katmandu. But that was before he got "the call."
On the other end of the phone was Paula Marafino, director of physician recruitment and retention at BCM. Their conversation led to a meeting with Jay Stein, M.D., senior vice president and dean of clinical affairs as well as interim chair of medicine at BCM – and very quickly to an offer of a position Rosenbaum did not think he could refuse – medical director of general internal medicine at Baylor Clinic. The position was a new one crafted for the needs of the Baylor Clinic and its patients.
"He (Stein) absolutely bowled me over with his enthusiasm to build a first-class primary care outpatient clinic," said Rosenbaum. "Immediately I could see his vision."
For the past 27 years, Rosenbaum has been a staff physician at the Diagnostic Clinic of Houston, where at various points he was a senior partner, its president (for three years), and a member of its executive committee. He had intended to spend the rest of his professional career there – until this new opportunity knocked.
Although BCM's mission to deliver tomorrow's medicine to today's patients immediately registered with Rosenbaum, Stein's job offer whizzed right past him. "He talked about my becoming medical director of general internal medicine at Baylor Clinic," said Rosenbaum. "I'm looking behind me going, 'Me?'"
Down to business
As a medical director at Baylor Clinic, Rosenbaum will serve as coordinator for general internal medicine while seeing patients five days a week. He will also help recruit more physicians into his new section in hopes of expanding the presence and role of BCM internal medicine. For many patients, it serves as a gateway into the medical system represented by BCM physicians, including sub-specialists.
"My primary responsibility is to see patients," he said. "I will assist them with their medical care and, as appropriate, refer them to the right sub-specialist outside internal medicine."
Although the role represents his first foray into academia, studying and practicing medicine in the region is nothing new to Rosenbaum.
Born and raised in Houston, Rosenbaum never strayed too far from home. He received his bachelor's degree in psychology with honors from The University of Texas at Austin as a Phi Beta Kappa member, earned his medical degree from UT Medical Branch in Galveston, and did both his internship and residency at UT Medical School at Houston.
"I look forward not only to continuing treatment of patients with whom I've had a long-standing relationship but also to building new relationships with new patients who are either already here or are attracted to Baylor Clinic," said Rosenbaum.
No regrets
Although Rosenbaum entered uncharted territory on his first day at Baylor Clinic on September 25, his approach to patient care remains unchanged.
"I look forward to providing excellent care, even 'spoiling' the patient to the extent that I can, like making sure I run on time and apologizing profusely if I'm late," said Rosenbaum. "I love to see patients. I love to help them with their healthcare in any way, shape, or form."
So how does he like his new surroundings?
"Baylor Clinic is a beautiful facility, and I love the way it's laid out," said Rosenbaum. "The overwhelming feeling is 'quality' from the facility to the people who work there."
Although the idea of turning over a new leaf had not occurred to him prior to receiving that first call from Marafino, Rosenbaum – as well as his new employer – is grateful he answered.
"The enthusiasm, the spirit, the whole package is just so attractive, how could I say no?" Rosenbaum asked rhetorically. "I'm looking forward to spending the next chapter of my life with BCM."
