Michelle explores how listening, empathy, and clinical problem-solving translate into stronger political leadership. Physicians and advocates discuss how medical training shapes legislative approaches, what lawmakers often miss about public health, and why patient-centered thinking can make government more responsive and help lawmakers work collaboratively.

Notes: This episode features the following distinguished legislator and physician-advocates.

Senator Chuck Hufstetler: Georgia State Senate, SD 52

Bio: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/bios/hufstetler-chuck-838.pdf

Senator Chuck Hufstetler has served in the Georgia State Senate for 13 years. He is the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and serves as a member of the Senate Committees on Health & Human Services, Higher Education, Rules and the Appropriations Subcommittees on Judicial and Economic Development. Sen. Hufstetler has worked as an anesthesia PA at Redmond Regional Hospital in Rome, GA since 2008.

Dr. Sofia Chaudhary: pediatric emergency medicine physician

Bio: Dr. Chaudhary is an Assistant Professor in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. In addition to her clinical work, she focuses on pediatric injury prevention, particularly in the realm of firearm safety. Dr. Chaudhary has published numerous articles in medical journals and publications on gun safety in the home, gun violence/injury prevention, and treatment of gunshot injuries.

Dr. Keisha Callins: Ob/gyn

Bio: Dr. Callins, MD, MPH, is an obstetrician/gynecologist with Community Health Care Systems, Inc. She is committed to providing women's healthcare services especially in rural and underserved areas of Georgia, specifically Gray and Jeffersonville, GA.

Dr. Reed Pitre: Psychiatrist, Mercy Care Atlanta

Bio: Dr. Pitre is a psychiatrist at Mercy Care, Atlanta’s only Federally Qualified Health Center with a dedicated healthcare for the homeless program. Mercy Care promotes health equity by providing medical care to those most in need.