Editor’s Note: Here is a unique way of looking at the profession of orthopaedic surgery. It specifically describes how the work environment feels to the surgeon and considers what type of atmosphere promotes happiness and the best work by the surgeon and their team. These are refreshing concepts.
“I am going to be her when I grow up.” These were the words in my head after I worked with an amazing pediatric orthopaedic surgeon while on a medical school rotation. Here was a woman who was a skilled surgeon, was married to a man who had a demanding career, had four children and was very calm with an even demeanor. She handled adversity and triumph with grace. What a wonderful role model! I did not know a life like that was even possible! I set out to emulate it.
I did a residency in a highly regarded program where excellence was the standard for all. I was and am still demanding of myself with respect to the quality of my work. I devoted most of myself to residency training and have reaped the benefits of that devotion. I have great respect for the faculty who were committed to teaching me excellence. Due to an unexpected life’s event, I reevaluated my direction and decided to switch my future subspecialty fellowship focus. Thankfully, despite a late decision to change directions, I ended up in an excellent fellowship program.
During my fellowship, I thought a great deal about where and how I wanted to begin my practice. I came to realize that it is not the “what” but really the “how”. By this I mean, any part of orthopaedics is technically challenging and intellectually stimulating. “How” relates to my experience of the people around me. I am sensitive to the mood of the operating room and clinic, how stress is handled, and if people are inclined to be happy while doing their work. This, in turn, affects my overall happiness and well-being.
Thankfully, I have found an ideal setting for my practice. I have a colleague who shares my specialty interests and overall philosophy. We assist each other both with problem solving and with the technical side of surgical intervention when a complex case presents itself. We have become friends and trust one another to avoid bringing negativity to our team. We seek to allow the team to be their best selves every day. “Team” relates to support staff, surgical personnel, residents, students and interested others.
I am lucky enough to have residents who rotate with me. I am careful how I act around them. I want to make sure they feel included in problem solving and the technical side of orthopaedic work. They are awesome. I hope I bring to them what my medical school mentor brought to me. She opened possibilities for me by just being who and what she was. I trust that I am doing the same for my residents and students.
A positive outlook, a nurturing and uplifting work environment, the ability to improve the quality of patient’s lives, and the time to build a rich life outside of work are the “how” I was looking for.