(+10 rating, 2 votes)
Loading ...I have blogged in the past for and against taking care of children. I take care of both adults and kids, so now I’ll give the same treatment for those "longer in tooth."
- LOL – Little Old Ladies – I never knew my grandmothers, but I have about 200 of them in my practice. I am doted on by them – one brought me a cake this morning.
- Challenges – I think I would go crazy taking care of just kids as the vast majority of the care is acute or well-child. I like the mental challenge of tough cases.
- "Thank You." – My elderly patients are almost always very gracious and grateful for the care I give. They don’t take it for granted.
- Making "Good Catches" – I love picking up the atypical presentation for heart disease or picking up cancer early. It is very gratifying to really save someone’s life.
- Subspecialists – Although I have talked negatively in the past, I actually have a very good relationship with my subspecialist colleagues. In pediatrics you are more isolated as a physician. I am regularly on the phone with colleagues discussing cases.
- They don’t look at you and scream – at least it hasn’t happened yet.
- Chatting – I like to know patients over the years and build friendships. I am genuinely happy to see a large number of my patients (except when they are sick).
- Being "The Man" – there are bad times when people are very sick and die. It is a privilege to be the one who helps people through those situations. It is hard, but it leaves you with immense satisfaction and purpose.
- Turfing pap smears to anyone else who will take them – Being an internist lets you send it to the GYN or the FP partner. Yeah!!!!
- Respect – I think overall the general internist gets respect from colleagues. People look at them and think, I wouldn’t want to be one, but I sure am glad someone likes that stuff. Now, if only that respect would translate into income….
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