One of the most irritating expressions a patient can use is… “I am supposed to…” It is usually verbalized just after a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is being considered. For example: “Mr. Smith, your CT scan shows extensive diverticulitis; and, although no abscess is demonstrated your abdomen is very tender; I recommend […]
The first month of my Gap Year is over. Eleven months to go. I have had two business discussions about potential future endeavors but remain committed to holding off on serious talks until I have really separated from my practice by several months. Over the weekend a patient called. She is one of the few […]
It has been three weeks since I stepped into the void. Taking that step means I gave up one of the most responsible jobs in the workforce, making decisions for patients that had life or death consequences. Did I expect that change to make me feel small, reduced, insignificant? I think I did, and for a […]
Ok, no touchy-feely comments about my state of mind as I enter the third week of my Gap Year, keeping in mind that in 40 years of medical education, training, and practice three straight weeks is the most vacation time I have ever had and this on less than five occasions. Let’s get to some […]
After leaving Milwaukee I returned to DC. I needed to clear my desk and I had a medical check up scheduled. Getting close to the action created temporary feelings of inadequacy and purposelessness. But being a patient at the overly technological office visit reminded me of the outrage I feel at the complexity medical care […]
I am one week into my Gap Year. One friend emailed to ask how it goes. Of course a gap year in the usual sense is for a young adult to gain perspective on life, blow off the initial energy of post high school freedom, explore the world and return to university with a more […]
I am indescribably proud of my two daughters who are both embarking on careers as M.D.’s. Why, you might ask, am I leaving the practice of medicine just as they are starting? It is an easy rationalization. My era is over. Yet the medical profession remains the career with the most promise of honor, achievement, […]
Well, today is the first “work” day of my sabbatical. Because I am in Milwaukee visiting my 92-year-old father there is a hint of vacation in the air, but my body’s muscle memory is telling me to dress for work. I feel the Void. I must make this day worthwhile. So I will applaud the […]
I have stepped into the void. After 31 years in private practice, I have graduated. I have finished my charts at the hospital, changed my status from Active Staff to Honorary Staff, turned in my office parking pass and key card, and carried home the detritus of my career in three cardboard boxes. Self-unemployed. It […]
