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 ‘Daily Operations’
"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!