A day in the life of a Doctor
Every 7 to 10 years, family physicians in the United States need to take a re-certification exam in order to maintain their certification status with the American Board of Family Medicine. I am currently preparing for the board re-certification by taking a review course created by the American Academy of Family Medicine.
This course has rejuvenated my spirit for learning. I am learning new things each and every day. Despite practicing family medicine for 25 years, there is always something new to learn.
What I have found extremely powerful is taking this new found knowledge and applying it to patient care the very same day I learned the new material. What a wonderful experience. Learn and do.
Furthermore I then teach my patients and my colleagues what I have learned. Learn, do, and teach.
This is a magic formula. This formula was taught to all medical residents during their training. It was used for learning a new procedure. Watch one, do one, and teach one. When you learn, do, and teach it cements the new information in your brain and you never forget it.
This can be applied to every day life. Go out and learn something new, apply it to your life, and teach it to someone. You will grow as a person and you will expand your relationships with those around you.
I have found doing this each day now has rejuvenated my joy for medicine and has improved the quality of care I deliver to my patients. Life is about learning each and every day.
Go out and learn, do, and teach today and you will be amazed how the quality of your life will change.
David
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Even though much of my career has been in higher education, I had never thought about the true joy that comes from teaching. I know teaching certainly makes you learn.
I'm glad that you left the conference rejuvenated.
I have discovered that you really do not know a subject well unless you can teach it to another. What field in higher education do you teach? What lead you into teaching? I truly believe that our teachers are our most valuable assets. It is a shame that teachers do not get better compensated for the hard work that they do. I am curious, if you had to do it all over again, would you have become a teacher again? I know for myself that if I had to do it all over again I would become a doctor again.
I started in higher education working as a certified public accountant. I then obtained a real estate brokers license. I would get so frustrated when people didn't fill out contracts correctly, that I complained to the local board. The attorney suggested I get involved with the education committee. Eventually, I started teaching licensing classes to students because that was my best way to try to help the public.
Yes, I would teach in classroom again although I"m mainly "called" to help individuals right now. Our callings sometimes change over time.. Great question.
It is comforting to know that you enjoy the medical profession enough that you would do it again. Would you stay in general practise or would you choose a different speciality?
Family Medicine is the best. Never know what will walk in the door next. I love the variety. I think I would be board being a specialist. Too narrow for my liking. We need more primary care physicians in medicine. Too many specialists out there especially in the east coast which certainly drive up the cost of medical care in this country. I agree that our callings change over time. However, there are many ways to teach. You can teach your children, your friends, or someone here at Wealthy Affiliate. I think teaching is about giving back to the world. Giving in a way that makes this world a better place to live in. I try each day to make a difference in some little way to make the world a better way. It may be through a conversation with a patient, spending time with my family, or helping my daughter understand a new concept at school. As for change. Change is good. We all should strive to be a different person, a better person, each an every day. To be somewhat different of a person today than yesterday. It is what I think life is about. What are you going to do today to make this world a better place? I plan to spend time with my family and enjoy their company. When I show them that I care about them, they are happier, and their interactions with all they come in contact with are transformed.
David
David, it sounds like you have your priorities in order. I agree with you comment about teaching. When it comes to our children, the time spent with them is priceliess. Sometimes when they are little or challenging, it is hard to value all the lilttle moments. Then, next thing you know they are grown and the smallest moments are the ones you miss the most.
Have a wonderful week.