The 2010 Winter Olympics have just concluded and I am both a little happy and a little sad. Happy because the United States did so well and NBC captured so many amazing athletes in action. I am also a little relieved because I can’t afford to watch the Olympics every night – no matter how good they are. I was also left feeling a little sad for all of the Olympic competitors that had invested so much time, effort and energy – and went home without a medal or worse – fell at the wrong time and then had to have it recorded in slow motion and have a failure watched over and over. So it was quite a coincidence (at least to me) that today I received an award for “being honored a ‘Patients’ Choice’ doctor for the second year in a row” – hmm. There isn’t any such thing as the Plastic Surgery Olympics – and even if there were an “Iron Chef” competition or equivalent – I’m not sure I would want to compete. I spent years in training and I continue – everyday – to work at improving my technique and craft. I love the rush of getting a perfect score and nailing the landing – but sometimes it just isn’t all up to me. I am in a field where every result needs to be great and I deal with so many variables because each patient’s concern or condition is unique in their own way. I can’t risk falling or wiping out – especially when there is so much expectation riding on the results. So – getting an award is nice – (although – honestly – I’m not even sure what it means) – but I prefer the rewards that I get every day working with patients and helping them achieve their goals and dreams. I have also never been a fan of my own publicity – real or imagined. So back to the slopes of my every-day Olympics to focus, improve, and push for better outcomes. I don’t expect to end up on a podium (where falling off would seem all too easy) with a ribbon around my neck. My rewards are the kind notes and words from the people I have the privilege of caring for. Our new tag line pretty much sums it up – “Improving You. Every Day.” Medal worthy or not – we will keep at it.