Hometown: Louisville, KY
Name of Undergraduate Institution: Howard University
Major(s)/Minor(s) in College: Biology Major
Name of Medical School: NYU School of Medicine
Residency Program: University of Pennsylvania Emergency Medicine Program
Favorite Quote: “If you ain’t first, you’re last” or “Save me Tom Cruise” (Talladega Nights)
Contact Info:
Email: savoymd@yahoo.com
IG: @savvvymd
LinkedIn: Savoy Brummer
Additional Links:
Savoy Brummer – 2013 ED Director Award Winner
Case Study – Memorial Hospital – Belleville, IL
St. Louis Area Physician Named ED Director of the Year
Where are you currently at in your career path and why did you decide to pursue this career path?
I went into administration largely because no one else wanted to do it. I took a job for less money and worse hours at a suburban hospital that was hard to get to from my house largely because of the intellectual challenge of managing complex systems. I believe in lifelong education, and being engaged in solving problems while understanding the financial models that back these problems have helped me in my medical practice and a host of other business opportunities.
If you could go back and have a chat with your naïve college freshman self, what would you tell him?
Own your own business. Don’t give control of your life to someone else.
Can you please walk us through a typical workday?
CEP America is a private partnership that oversees 7 million visits a year at 250 sites. I oversee the business development for the Western US for CEP America. I typically work clinically in the emergency department on Mondays and for the rest of the week, I travel to different sites and speak to CEOs of hospitals and medical groups. I build financial models for various practices and partner with hospital systems to implement those models.
What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
Take risks when you are young. You have a chance to recover. Also be flexible and live in places that you would not normally be open to if they offer you opportunity.
What is a major challenge you have had to overcome and how did you do so?
The most difficult issue is remaining true to yourself. There’s plenty of unethical activity around. Just remember what your parents taught you and stay steadfast.
What was your favorite thing about your medical school?
NYU was amazing. Although I live in L.A. now, there’s nothing like learning medicine in New York. Med school was one of the happiest times in my life and NYU had a lot to do with that.
Do you have another professional degree? If so, how has it impacted you?
No. I’ve thought a lot about an MBA over the years but as I’ve been doing larger scale modeling, I found it wasn’t necessary. Now I’m 42, on the Board of a billion-dollar company and a VP, so many of the things you learn in a MBA program I’ve seen in real time.
What advice would you give to someone getting ready to start their application process to medical schools?
Apply everywhere. Don’t be a snob.
Did you have any passions outside of medical school? If so, what were they?
Hip-hop.
What do you feel was the most challenging part of medical school?
The transition between undergrad and medical school was a challenge. My best advice is to keep the same study routine you had in college. If it aint broke, don’t fix it. Also make sure you take a formal board review class. Don’t be a hero and think you can do it on your own.
What advice would you give to a professional student looking to pursue a similar path as yours?
Get a mentor. Relationships open doors.
What has been your favorite memory so far in your career?
I was awarded the medical director of the year award by the American College of Emergency Physicians. It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers.
What do you feel makes your specialty stand out from other health professions?
Emergency Medicine is the most pure form of medicine. You help your community and the sacrifice you make is rewarded by the work you do. Pure adrenaline rush, but not for the faint of heart.
What gives you the greatest motivation to get up every day to go to work?
I have the best job in America. I can help people at the bedside and on a macro level.
Do you have any passions outside of treating patients? If so, what are they and how do you find time to pursue these passions?
I am a movie producer for major films in my spare time. I’ve also done a fair share of investing in hedge funds and Venture Capital opportunities. You can apply the principles of business to all kinds of ventures and be successful.
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your jam-packed schedule to share some of your wisdom and experiences with us Dr. Brummer! You are greatly appreciated! Your career is definitely one-of-a-kind, and I’m sure that there will be people influenced by what you wrote here in your feature!
Health Career Spotlights Home Page
Posted on October 25th, 2017
Black Man, M.D. 