Dr. Gregory Duhon is an adept internist and hospitalist with expertise spanning ICU, emergency room, and crisis/pandemic management.
Having obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Louisiana State University and his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine, he underwent advanced medical training at the Jewish Hospital of Cincinnati. Greg’s accomplishments include the publication of several abstracts and manuscripts, along with presentations of his work at a gathering hosted by the American College of Physicians in Ohio.
Dr. Duhon’s life is anchored by a fundamental principle: the potential for anyone to effect change. During his residency, he dedicated vacation time to aid in flood relief initiatives within his native Louisiana.
Transforming Baton Rouge’s Celtic Media Centre, he established a clinic where he administered medical care to displaced patients, managed diabetes cases, administered tetanus vaccinations, dispensed prescriptions, and offered compassionate support to flood survivors. His reputation extends from times of crisis to conventional hospital care, characterized by his exceptional listening skills and empathetic communication, both with patients and fellow team members.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Gregory Duhon, MD, finds enjoyment in cultivating passion fruit, riding the waves through surfing, exploring new destinations, and crafting dishes from Cajun and Vietnamese cuisines. In response to a challenge from his competitive brother, he embraced the idea of participating in a triathlon. Since then, he has triumphed over an Olympic Triathlon and a Half Ironman, while currently dedicating himself to training for the Triathlon.
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Grit Daily: Could you walk us through your typical day, highlighting how you infuse productivity into your routine?
Dr. Duhon: I usually wake up and try to get some form of exercise in. You know, running, biking, swimming — something like that. I then switch over to productive mode, usually by making some lists of what I need to accomplish that day. Sometimes, I will have an agenda and make a specific to-do list that addresses the goal I am trying to accomplish, and this usually lays it out in smaller, concrete steps.
Grit Daily: How do you create and implement your best ideas?
Dr. Duhon: I first brainstorm them, and then I bounce ideas off of people in my life who have experience with whatever it is that I am trying to create.
Grit Daily: Tell our audience about a trend that excites you.
Dr. Duhon: Telehealth is an exciting field of medicine. It has the potential to reach patients that otherwise would not be able to have access to an outpatient doctor, such as those that live far from a physical clinic or hospital.
Grit Daily: If you could name one habit that helps you be more productive, what would it be?
Dr. Duhon: I tend to work out before I do anything else, which sets the tone for my day. Once I have taken care of my physical fitness, it feels like the day is wide open for any challenge that I choose to address or anything that comes up during the day.
Grit Daily: If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?
Dr. Duhon: The things you are required to do as a child are meant to give you the best chance at being successful later in life. The mandatory things that don’t seem fun at the time, when performed, can give you the best chance at living a happy, fun, and fulfilled life later on.
Grit Daily: What’s something you believe strongly that almost nobody agrees with you on.
Dr. Duhon: I believe that the more you do, the more you can do. If you challenge yourself and succeed, you are able to move on to bigger challenges. If you fail, you will be able to learn from your mistakes and perform better the next time.
Grit Daily: If you could cite one thing that contributes to your success, what would it be?
Dr. Duhon: That’s a tough question. For me, I would have to say it’s exercise. Getting the blood flowing and the body moving is the best way to keep the mind focused and have energy throughout the week.
Grit Daily: When you feel overwhelmed, what do you do to get yourself back on track?
Dr. Duhon: I try to take a step back from the situation and go for a walk to clear my head and refocus. If I am unable to go for a walk, then I try to clear my mind and think about the big picture of what I am currently trying to do and why. This sets you up to tackle the problem on a higher level than you were able to do before.
Grit Daily: Please name one strategy that has helped you expand your career in the past.
Dr. Duhon: Making a set schedule that does not change. When I would study for the licensing exams for medical school, I would set my entire day around studying — just minimize all distractions and study. I had set times for everything, so I never had to decide what I should be doing at a certain time of the day.
Grit Daily: Think of a failure you faced in your career. What did you do to overcome it, and what lessons did you learn afterward?
Dr. Duhon: I was faced with a difficult decision. I asked for advice from friends and family and received conflicting solutions to the problem. In the end, I made a decision that went against my gut instincts. I later regretted my choice of action. Now, I can say that I will never make a decision that is completely against my intuition.
Grit Daily: If you could give away one business idea for free to our audience, what would it be?
Dr. Duhon: In the field of medicine, customer satisfaction is just as important as positive outcomes. So, for me, a great business idea is going to be whatever can help ensure customer satisfaction and can be sold as an add-on service or consumer good that can be sold to practices and hospitals around the world. I know there’s been quite a few products or services like that, but there is still potential for more.
Grit Daily: What is one piece of software that helps you get through the day?
Dr. Duhon: Great question. In my case, I happen to use a simple to-do list on my phone. I would be lost without it. So, really, for me, anything that can help you keep track of things is a great application to have.
Grit Daily: What is the best money you spent recently? Why?
Dr. Duhon: I recently gave some money to my cousin for graduating high school, which she is going to use to advance her goal of one day becoming a doctor like me.
Grit Daily: Do you have a favorite book that has given you a lot of value and why?
Dr. Duhon: Can't Hurt Me by David Goggins. It is about a Navy Seal who had a difficult childhood, was given nothing in life, and had to overcome adversity with mental toughness. I accomplished things I never could have dreamed of as a direct result of reading this book.