One of things I like most about being a plastic surgeon is that I get to meet such an interesting variety of people. I think people often and incorrectly assume an identity for plastic surgeons based on movies or TV shows or other stereotypes. Similarily – many people have the wrong idea about who undergoes plastic surgery – (only those driving around town in Lamborghinis and fur coats). We are just as likely provide care for the person working behind the deli counter as well as the person buying the produce. So I was a bit surprised when the husband of one of my patient’s said, “Hey, you’re not an a–h—, you’re a regular guy.” I’m sure it was intended as a compliment of sort because some people have the wrong idea about plastic surgeons. We are all wired differently. I can’t imagine ever forgetting what it was like working as a clerk behind the admissions counter at a local hospital for years before I became a plastic surgeon – a rather humble beginning. Don’t get me wrong – I have met many surgeons who are – well – not always pleasant to work with. So I guess that we continue to re-learn that we can’t make assumptions about people until we get to know them. Sometimes the least expected compliments can come from unlikely sources. Just today, after I removed some dressings off a big, professional fighter – he said , “Hey, I think I love you man.” Better to love me than hate me – because after all – I’m not just your ordinary “a–h—”.
Posts Tagged ‘Community’
"Hey, you’re not an a–h—!"
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010If Plastic Surgeons Were Professional Athletes…
Wednesday, November 11th, 2009This past week I was reading an article about coaching and the fact that most professional athletes have coaches all of the time – even someone as accomplished as Tiger Woods. These are highly compensated professionals that are still in need of professional coaches. Even with the best coaches and the best athletes the Twins or Vikings can still lose. The best player on the Twins gets on base less than half of the time they are up to bat and completely strike out – often. The Viking’s “new” and well-seasoned quarterback, Brett Favre, still fumbles or has his passes intercepted. So if plastic surgeons were more like professional atheletes – would we have coaches and would the public be “fans” even if our passes were interecepted, the ball was fumbled or we simply struck out when it was our turn at bat? Unlikely – well – let’s just say – no.
Our speciality is especially vulnerable to criticism given the visual nature of what we do. If an appendix removal or knee surgery is imperfect – most patients would never know. If a cosmetic procedure is less than perfect – say – we got a new first down or we got a great hit and got to second or third base – a patient will usually be quite happy but sometimes they can feel disappointed it wasn’t a touch down or home run. Fortunatley – many of us have great mentors that we resource for difficult problems or other solutions. Even wihout a professional coach – many of us constantly strive to improve our skills and outcomes. We are required to take at least 50 hours per year of continued education (aka – coaching). So, do I ever dream of being a professional athlete? Not really. Would I like to have a paid coach looking over my shoulder every day in surgery? No. Do I like having adoring fans – well – of course.
I am so thankful to have the opportunity to do what I do and to work with such a great team! To all of my “fans” – it is my privilege to share this bit of life with you. I hope the Coach continues to keep me at the top of my game!
Moving Forward
Friday, October 9th, 2009Toyota: “It’s a great way to keep ‘moving forward.’” I love that Toyota tag line and I have been heard to repeat it – somewhat frequently – just ask my staff. I seem to have one gear – forward. It just doesn’t seem to do any good to try and reclaim the past. It has been recently reported that a lot of the elective plastic surgery business has been affected during this recession, although even during the Great Depression of the 30’s – many people still found money to spend on beauty products and self-improvements. This has been true for us too – where patients want to maintain their appearance, but may not want to splurge on a bigger surgical procedure. We have an opportunity to refocus our efforts and priorities. Our goals can change with the times. We are happy to help people work within their budgets, to get their maximal benefit. It might not be a Mercedes for everyone – but a great looking appearance with a plan for extending the mileage is – after all – still a great goal. So as long as the recession lasts – let’s keep moving forward with our self-care and care of others.
On a personal note, I am moving forward tomorrow (10-10-09) with the priviledge of traveling with a team of Rotaplast volunteers to China where I can use my surgical talents to care for children with cleft lips and palates. I am so thankful for this opportunity to give back a small portion of what I have been given. More when I return….
My First Blog
Friday, October 2nd, 2009This is my first blog posting and I feel a little like I am sending this out to some unknown internet server in the middle of Arizona or maybe Dubai – and who knows where it goes from there. I was talking today with an old friend, Steve, about the whole social media and networking thing. We have not given in and we are trying to keep up. We both purchased iPhones last year and absolutely love them. We both just recently signed up for Facebook with the fastest growing demographic (over45). I do not have any plans to Twitter or send Tweets. I have been told the email is “so last year” and I am committing myself to staying on the information superhighway and trying to stay connected – and also I am trying to stay socially relevant – if that is even a worthy goal. So there it is. My first blog. I promise that the next one will actually be about plastic surgery and starting over in a new community during an economic recession. It is a true test of one’s resolve, optimism and perseverance.