Victor J. Weaver, M.D.
Teaching by Example
When Dr. Victor Weaver was a medical student at the University of Florida College of Medicine, he recalls how he enjoyed “all the subjects, every clinical rotation, all the different experiences.” In his second year of medical school, he completed a mission trip to Haiti under the leadership of a family physician. That experience of caring for people of all ages — and providing services that ranged from vaccinations to caring for critically ill patients — inspired him to make family medicine his career choice. “It helped me realize that family medicine was an endlessly fascinating and deeply meaningful way to serve a community and society as a whole,” Dr. Weaver says.
Since he joined East Jefferson General Hospital, Dr. Weaver has been leading the Family Medicine Residency Program, which prepares physicians to provide comprehensive primary healthcare to patients of all ages in both the hospital setting and with their own panel of patients in the Family Medicine Clinic. Each day, Dr. Weaver and fellow faculty members teach and mentor the 21 residents in the program.
“Being part of a great learning environment makes all of us, both faculty and residents, better doctors for our patients,” Dr. Weaver says. “National studies have shown us how those physicians who most strongly maintain and grow their board exam knowledge are the ones who stay highly involved in teaching.”
Dr. Weaver says his goal as director of the Family Medicine Residency Program is to help build each resident into a complete, well-rounded physician, ready for independent practice. “We guide residents through growing their medical knowledge and help each resident develop the complete set of skills needed to be a great doctor in the 21st century — a great listener, someone who is reliable and a trusted friend who helps guide you through the healthcare system.”
Dr. Weaver maintains his own Family Medicine practice at East Jefferson. “We know the most effective way to teach our residents is to be great role models,” explains Dr. Weaver. “My job is to teach these young physicians to be noble professionals and lifelong learners. Being involved in teaching has always inspired me to read passionately and have a deep understanding of the best, most cutting-edge practices.”
In his Family Medicine clinic, Dr. Weaver treats patients of all ages for a wide range of issues, from caring for critically ill patients to performing well-baby checkups. Regardless of the patient, Dr. Weaver says he emphasizes shared decision making with his patients.
“I rarely say to a patient, ‘This is the only way to go,’” Dr. Weaver says. “As physicians, we have to listen really well, understand our patients, understand their values and see what’s important to them. I think I’m naturally very open-minded in my personality. I feel great when I can help make sure people get healthcare that really meets their goals and values.”
Medical School: University of Florida College of Medicine
Residency: Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans
Fellowship: University of Arizona, Faculty Development
Fellow: American Academy of Family Physicians
Diplomate: American Board of Family Medicine
EJGH Family Medicine Center
4228 Houma Blvd., Ste. 200
Metairie, LA 70006
(504) 454-7878