CareerPhysician, Wesley Millican

CareerPhysician and the Child Health Advisory Council® are firmly committed to capturing the leadership wisdom and experience of current and emeritus pediatric chiefs, chairs and health system executives and to passing it on to current and future generations. Pediatric Insight conversations, articles and webinars center around the Core Leadership Competencies and are tactical, experience-based offerings that continue to positively impact the legacies of today’s leaders and the successes of the faculty and patients they serve.

Episode 46: The Role of the “Master Connector”
Nov. 19, 2025  |  Duration: 23:45  |  Moderator: Valerie Opipari, MD

As we close out our Pediatric Insight Conversations series on mentorship, the Child Health Advisory Council (CHAC) turns to a topic that may be the most influential and the least discussed driver of career satisfaction in academic pediatrics: the master connector.

Inspired by Malcolm Gladwell’s concept and shaped by decades of leadership experience, the panel explores how master connectors do far more than match mentors and mentees. They actively shape cultures, open doors, accelerate careers, and most importantly – help protect clinicians from burnout.

 

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Recent Pediatric Insight Conversations

Valerie Opipari, CareerPhysician, Child Health Advisory Council, Pediatric InsightEpisode 45: How Do You Measure Mentorship Success

In this episode, the Child Health Advisory Council (CHAC) members discuss important questions such as how to measure success and impact, common challenges, identifying and resolving conflicts and more.

Moderator: Valerie Opipari, MD

Duration: 26:12

Valerie Opipari, CareerPhysician, Child Health Advisory Council, Pediatric InsightEpisode 44: The Mentor Role and Responsibilities

Our expert panel dives into what makes mentorship effective and enduring. They answer:

  • How does a mentor’s role differ from that of a coach or sponsor?
  • How can young clinicians identify the right mentors to guide their careers?
  • What traits define a successful mentor–mentee relationship?

Moderator: Valerie Opipari, MD

Duration: 32:34

Bruder Stapleton, CareerPhysician, Child Health Advisory Council, Pediatric InsightEpisode 43: Who Will Be Your Boss? Navigating New Roles Under Interim Leadership

If you’re considering a new role under interim leadership, learn why:

  • Interim leadership is very common
  • You need to validate resources and put must-haves in writing
  • Understanding the culture and history of the institution is critical

Moderator: F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Duration: 32:21

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