Editor’s Note: It is always a pleasure to include words of wisdom gleaned from a long career.
“Would I do my career over in the same way? No, I would not. I have learned many lessons from doing things wrong.” Let me share my revelations with you:
- College women who aspire to a career in orthopaedic surgery should do some preparation, so they are equipped for the challenges they will later encounter. Skills in time management, leadership, and research principles are key areas to focus upon.
- Develop a physical exercise routine and make the time “sacred and non-negotiable.” This ritual can then be carried on during training and career when it is essential.
- Become educated about nutrition so you are healthier, can be a role model for your patients, and have the knowledge to educate them about this important and often neglected topic.
- If possible, pick your specialty early so the mandatory general medical and general surgical parts of your training are simply on the path to your goal. This may require shadowing, mentoring, or setting up special rotations, etc. Do what is necessary. It will position you better for your future endeavors. I always recommend to medical students to spend time with someone in their 50’s who is practicing the specialty their interested in. Study their day to day schedule and their lifestyle.
- Learn to say NO politely. This is necessary when tasks are asked of you that will take your time but not benefit your future. An example would be some requests to do committee work. You need time available so you can control your life. Don’t let less important tasks steal from it.
- Try to learn the basics of office management while in medical school.
- When you want to say yes to an opportunity, take a day to think how the tasks involved will affect your day-to-day life before you commit.
- Make a schedule for every day for home and work. I used an index card. It makes you more efficient. Now you can put it on your phone.
- FOCUS, FOCUS, FOCUS on your professional goals. It is possible to accomplish much if disturbances are kept to a minimum.
- Show up at home ready to be a family member. Finish the thinking and talking about work on the drive home so when you arrive, you are really there. If you must do work at home allocate a private space for you.