Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
Practice Perfect Editor
Mountain View
Medical &
Surgical Associates,
Madras, Oregon
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Practice Perfect 3.0
The philosopher Heraclitus said, “Upon those who step into the same rivers flow other and yet other waters. All things . . . are in flux like a river.” AKA the one constant is change. This is especially true for many of us in medicine, and I am no different. Most podiatrists seem to end up moving at least once during their careers.
So, in my never ending search for more topics to discuss on our blog, I am moving on to new pastures. This will make my second professional change after four years in active practice. My first position was as an associate for another podiatrist in Michigan. The second was with a provider-based multispecialty clinic associated with a rural community hospital. My third and new position will be as an assistant professor for the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine in Pomona, California — Practice Perfect 3.0!
I wanted to write about my new situation, not because I think anyone would be particularly interested in my private life, but rather to discuss two primary issues: the choices we make professionally and a career in academic medicine. I think my situation and decisions may be helpful for those new to practice or those considering making a change.
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Oct. 21 - 24, 2010 |
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Las Vegas, NV |
The Choices We Make
Why did I decide to choose this position? Since I was a medical student I’ve been interested in teaching. I greatly enjoy the interaction between teacher and student — I especially love that moment of understanding when a concept clicks with the student. You can see it in the eyes, and it’s very gratifying to me. I also enjoy watching as others progress from fumbling novices to confident doctors. What better contribution can any of us give to medicine than being mentors and training our future doctors? Teaching gives me a very selfish emotional high.
Another attractive aspect is the collegiality of a larger institution. At my current position, I interact with various professionals at all levels, but in a more limited fashion as part of a small rural hospital. I will now be surrounded by a much larger number of podiatrists, other medical professionals, residents, and students. From, again, a purely selfish standpoint, this larger community will provide me greater intellectual stimulation, pushing me to be a better doctor. Clearly, academic medicine is not for everyone, but this is an aspect of practice that brings me joy. For those of you who may find education tedious and difficult, then this isn’t for you.
The obvious question is, what’s wrong with my current position that I’m looking for something new? This applies to the “how do we make choices” area. When we decide to do a surgical procedure, we weigh the risks vs. the benefits and proceed with surgery when the benefit-risk ratio leans towards the benefit side. The same can be said about any decision, including deciding to risk leaving one position (the known) and taking on a new position (the unknown). Very simply, for me the potential benefits greatly outweigh the risks.
The benefits of this new position include working with an incredible group of internationally known podiatrists, the opportunity to teach, start research, and continuing my clinical and surgical work. The personal benefits for my family are also significant. We’ll be living in an urban environment (as opposed to the rural town we’ve lived for the past 2 years) which provides greater opportunities for my wife and increased educational opportunities for my son. These benefits more than outweigh the risks of starting something new.
Making any decision also has consequences. I’m leaving a unique situation where I’m a bigger fish in a small pond, well respected, with many close friends and associates. I’ll be moving to a much bigger pond where I’ll be a much smaller fish and will have to work hard to earn the respect and friendship of those in my new community. I have a lot of work ahead of me and I’m looking forward to the change. Change may be the only constant, but the manner in which we approach that change is affected by the decisions we make.
On a related personal note, I fully plan to continue writing the Practice Perfect blog for as long as anyone is interested in reading. In fact, last week’s issue was our 200th! To those of you who have read these editorials and those who have sent both verbal and written praise, I send my most sincere thanks. I hope to maintain your interest and fully plan to keep the topics as pertinent to modern podiatrists as possible. To that end, please feel free to send in your comments and suggestions for topics and improvements. Finally, I’d like to thank all the folks at PRESENT e-Learning Systems for their support and leadership. My involvement with PRESENT has enriched my professional life in ways I can’t even describe. They are truly on the forefront of not only podiatric but also medical education in general, and I commend them on their excellent and valuable work. I’m sure there’s more to come. |
Keep writing in with your thoughts and comments. Better yet, post them in the eTalk forum, where you can get in on the discussion or start one of your own. Best wishes.
Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
PRESENT Practice Perfect Editor
[email protected]
Message from PRESENT e-Learning Systems
It was with great pleasure and considerable personal pride to learn that Jarrod Shapiro, DPM is joining the teaching staff at Western University of Health Sciences, College of Podiatric Medicine. We were first introduced to Dr Shapiro by our friend Marshall Solomon, DPM while he was still a resident at Dr. Solomon's residency program, Bottsford General. Dr. Solomon saw in Dr. Shapiro the potential to make a great contribution to teaching in the profession, and PRESENT as an ideal medium for that contribution. It didn't take us long to get to know Dr. Shapiro and wholeheartedly agree. We'll be forever grateful to Dr Solomon for that introduction. In the years 2006-2010, Dr. Shapiro has shared his professional, and some of his personal life with us, and enriched us all by discussing in his own brilliant way the day to day challenges, trials and tribulations of being a practicing podiatrist in today's world. This latest career change, and the move to Pomona California to start work with the renowned, beloved and respected Lawrence Harkless, DPM, is just another step in the right direction for Dr. Shapiro, and we just couldn't be prouder of what he continues to accomplish. Best of luck to you and your family in this next phase of your life !
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