Connie Hixson, MD
Council - 1st Term
2021-2023

I first learned about Balint work from a physician neighbor in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where at 23 years old I was working at Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences as a lab technician. I had grown up and completed college in the eastern U.S. and then worked for four years as a volunteer in West and East Africa. Returning to the States, I went to medical school at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. I married during medical school. My husband and I did our residencies in North Carolina and then practiced in Utah, Kentucky, and Tennessee.  At East Tennessee State University, I met Dr. Mike Floyd; he was leading Balint groups in our family medicine residency. I participated in Balint Leadership Training Intensives in 2005 and 2014. In 2015, I began on the Credentialing pathway, with Clive Brock and Alan Johnson, supervisors.  I led Balint groups in my family medicine residency 2015 through 2018.

I knew from 23 years of precepting with our residents that there was a great need in our residency for the reflective insights that come with Balint Seminars. The residents responded well and it was a joy to work with them monthly.  I also enjoyed reviewing the Enid Balint essay contest entries. I achieved Credentialed Leader status in 2017. 

Since my retirement from my academic medical career in late 2018, I have served an 18 month medical mission in South America. I am now getting more involved in Balint national activities and beginning to co-lead an online Balint group. I am happy to be serving my first term on the ABS Council.