Ryan Fitzgerald, DPM
PRESENT RI Associate Editor
Hess Orthopedics &
Sports Medicine,
Harrisonburg, Virginia
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Be Awesome Instead!
I recently had an encounter that I would like to share with you that I hope can help provide a learning point for us all. I recently heard through an internal medicine colleague (and referral source) that an orthopedic surgeon in the community in which I practice has recently been commenting to several referring physicians regarding the nature of the cases that I have been doing. Specially the quote was this “You’re not referring X procedure to Podiatry, are you? That is something that should be done by an orthopedic surgeon…” You can imagine my dismay and frustration at the ignorance of this comment; we as a profession have made significant advancements in the quality of our training and have truly established ourselves as the lower extremity specialists, and such a limited world view demonstrates to me how, despite the advancements that we’ve made, clinicians can still try to write us off as ‘just podiatrists’.
Now, I am not naïve, and this is sadly a sentiment that I’ve encountered before—as certainly you have as well—but I would submit that this anti-podiatric surgery attitude is more common among our more elder orthopedic colleagues. Regardless, it is an attitude, however ignorant and out-dated it may be, that we as podiatric surgeons will encounter throughout our training and into our practices.
The question remains, however: What do we do when faced with these challenges? How do we address our detractors when they come against us without provocation?
Certainly there are many ways to respond –some more productive than others –but I would posit that the truly best way for each of use to respond when faced with ignorance regarding our profession or our specific skill-set is with education. Look upon these challenges as an opportunity to educate anyone who will listen (even if isn’t the person who started the encounter with the negative comment) regarding what it is that you do, and why you are the best one to do it. Knowledge is power, and you have the knowledge AND the power to educate members of the medical community in your hospitals as to what we as a profession have accomplished and what we can accomplish. In this way, each day, each of us is truly an ambassador for our profession. People are watching –internists, orthopedic surgeons, patients’ family members –show them what you can do!
Don't Get Angry — Be Awesome !
In my example, I find it encouraging that this particular doctor feels insecure about my presence in the community such that he feels the need to try to sabotage me. This means I’m making a difference. I truly prefer this to being ignored, and so should you. While his comments are certainly aggravating, since then I have seen no resultant decrease in the level of my referrals and indeed I am busier than ever. I don't believe in getting angry in the face of unfounded discrimination. A calm calculated response shows my confidence. My work speaks for itself, and that is what matters. I look for more and more opportunities to be what I am..awesome !
I am certain that my experience is not unique, and I am curious about the experiences that you may have had, and how you dealt with them successfully. Each of us will benefit from the combined knowledge of our online community, and I look forward to hearing from you!
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