Douglas Char, MD

My pathway to becoming a physician had some early hiccups.  I “flunked” first grade (I’m an identical twin we both had to repeat kindergarten) due to dyslexia (and probably a hint of ADHD).  My college premed advisor informed me that I was “mediocre med school material”.  I wasn’t accepted into medical school and chose to pursue a master degree before reapplying.  My wife Debbie says that I’ve been overcompensating for my dyslexia for a long time.

I joined the faculty in 1995 after completing residencies in Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine in Denver (Univ of Color and Denver General).   I was Associate Program Director for 5 year then Residency Director for 14 years –stepping down in 2014. I was very active within CORD and served on the board of directors for 4 years.  I led the medical student longitudinal Diversity and Inclusion curriculum for 5 years.  I serve on the Competency Attainment Committee and Committee on Medical Student Education for the new Gateway Curriculum.

I initially thought my clinical interests would focus on Infectious Disease (I have a masters in Immunology & Microbiology) but when I arrived there was need for a cardiology liaison. I’ve been the department lead for cardiology with a focus on ACS, STEMI, arrhythmias and more recently heart failure. This is manifest in hospital and medical school committees and as a clinical trials investigator.  Participation in clinical trials led me to join the Wash Univ Institutional Review Board. I’ve served as Co-Chair for 15 year.  I’ve always been intrigued by disasters (old Boy Scout interest) and was a founding member of the federal Missouri-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (now Midwest 01).  I now work at the headquarters level (HHS/APSR) deploying as the Chief Medical Officer for large national events (hurricane, flood, national security events) as part of the Incident Management Team.

I view my role in faculty development as an offshoot from leading the residency except that now my three kids are older than the residents).  How can I help young faculty get established, empowered and thriving?  I see myself as a connector – bringing together faculty with resources and people from across the school, university and our specialty.  I can be found in the office most days (old fashion) and try to be available for meetings 5 days a week. I can generally fit people in to meet during the same week.  I usually put in a 50-60 hour workweek and have high expectations of others.  I’ve mellowed a little over the years.  If you want someone who is open and approachable, but also a go-getter who will push you, then we should find time to discuss your career.