Dr. Austin Kooba is a Northern California OB/GYN physician who served with the Permanente Medical Group in Santa Rosa for nearly two decades. Treating a diverse range of patients, Dr. Austin Kooba delivered consultations that included reproductive health education. He oversaw cesarean and operative births and emphasized a minimally invasive surgical approach that helped ensure successful patient results and expedited recovery. At the Department of Perinatal Services at Santa Rosa Medical Center, Dr. Kooba earned accolades for high levels of patient satisfaction throughout the childbirth experience. As co-chair of the Perinatal Patient Safety Project, Dr. Austin Kooba set protocols that enabled the monitoring of surgical wound infection risks. He also instituted advanced standards of care that elevated clinical results. His leadership background extended to a role as a founding faculty member and associate clinical professor. Responsible for Touro University Medical School clerkships, Dr. Austin Kooba taught and mentored medical residents and students, earning a Teacher of the Year distinction in 2011.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A typical day is out of bed between 6-7 a.m., enjoy a cup of coffee, and then reading daily meditations and remembering to be mindful. Three days a week is off to work, and I actively listen, am respectful and humble in every interaction, and do the right thing. At days end, I reflect on these interactions and how I could have been better and improve.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I involve a team and seek input on how to realize these ideas, from avoiding potential pitfalls to utilizing all the benefits. I am a firm believer in flattening the hierarchy, so everyone has the ability to voice any questions or concerns.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The recognition of the need for regulation of social media. So much influence on comparing to others, and then with editing and AI – these images or snippets are not real life.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I like making lists of tasks and then marking them off once they are completed. This helps me not forget things (which I have a tendency to do), and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I have checked off those tasks.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Have faith,” “you are not alone,” and “enjoy the ride.” Many times, I have been too focused on the destination. The fear of not getting there or what it will be like, rather than being present and experiencing the journey and trusting that peace and every good will be at the end.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Coach Prime was a homerun hire for the University of Colorado. Okay, some agree with me, but the negativity in the media for clicks to diss him is unfounded.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise, eat mainly unprocessed food, pray, and have good sleep habits. I try to walk the dogs at least once day. Minimize processed food and cook my own meals. Pray daily whenever possible (driving, before meals, in the shower). Don’t do any work stuff in bed or have any in the bedroom.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Go to the beach. The ocean soothes my soul. Breath in that salt air, feel the sand under my feet, and touch the water. Instantly melts my blues away.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
It was the advice I received from my main mentor, Dr. Soper: “Do the right thing. You know what that is.” All goodness in terms of career growth and advancement will flow from this. If I stay focused on doing my very best every time and reflect back at the end of the day on how I could/can do better, good things did and will continue to happen.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
The importance of solid boundaries and knowing when to say no to added responsibilities. Work-life balance is so underrated. I maintain friendships and activities that are not work-related and give those the time and energy needed to maintain balance.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Goes back to Dr. Soper’s advice: “Do the right thing. You know what that is.”
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
EHR. It expedites completeness in charting and organization. I like being able to write (type) my thoughts and review them, then edit for any clarifications and accuracy if needed. Also, it doublechecks if I forgot something.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Count of Monte Cristo. Many people write that it is a story about revenge. It is really a story about perseverance in the face of adversity. It is about fighting for justice and against injustice while maintaining compassion. Father Richard Rohr’s podcasts from the Center for Action and Contemplation. Reminds me to stay mindful and true to the Gospel’s message of peace, love, and forgiveness. Contemplation is a way of listening to my heart and not over analyzing issues. Contemplation without action can lead to perseverating, and even well intentions/actions need completion to achieve the highest good.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
Lupin on Netflix. Again, perseverance in the face of adversity while maintaining compassion.
Key learnings
1. Do the right thing. You know what that is.
2. Be kind, respectful, and humble.
3. Be mindful.
4. Go to the ocean.