Practical Advice from a Seasoned Clinician by Seymour Katz, MD, MACG
Remember to listen to that quiet voice inside all of us that indicates the right choice to be taken. Don’t be led astray by shortcuts or questionable tactics. You can “never do the wrong thing the right way.” 1 Work The master word in medicine is “work,” according to Sir William Osler at the beginning of the 20th century1 and by Dean Robert Grossman at his 2015 NYU School of Medicine commencement address.2 As pedestrian as it sounds, there are no shortcuts to achieving proficiency in the practice of medicine. Do not shy away from hard tasks. Once accepted and completed, there will be both a sense of fulfillment and yes…joy. Look for challenges, not guarantees.
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2 Aequanimitas3 Keep your “cool,” i.e., composure, no matter how frustrating, insulting or threatening an apparent insurmountable barrier may be. Losing your temper or control in front of patients or colleagues disenfranchises you as a competent, caring physician. 3 Don’t be Afraid to Fail We learn the most from our failures, and you will fail at some tasks. Do not whine or bemoan your fate with problemsolving. Try not to repeat the mistake and move on.
4 You Can’t Do It All A task may indeed seem impossible to complete but remember: It is not incumbent on you to complete the task of mending the world, but you are not free from trying to do your part (Ethics of the Fathers 2:16). 5 Perpetual Student Your competence will be enhanced only by a continued effort to review and study the literature and attend teaching sessions and discussions with key opinion leaders. Compartmentalize your time to permit this “continued education” throughout your career.
Vol. 1, No. 1
