I am a lucky person. Healthy, happy, employed, I got to spend today shuttling children from here to there, make sure they got fed, play games with the ones who spent the day with me, and even clean out parts of my desk.
I have been able to choose where and when I work. A private practice psychiatrist, I have so far had the luxury to practice in a quiet office and, most of the time, have medical care decisions stay between me and the patient.
My hat is off to my friends, colleagues, and fellow men and women who do not have choices. To the people who get up and make it through each day even when they are not healthy, or happy, or working in an environment that sustains them.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
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5 comments:
Me too, hat doffing and all.
I learned a long time ago that there's a difference between my work and my job. I love my work, and am deeply grateful for the challenge and fulfillment and that I can earn a good living doing what I love. The job - well, those issues can be managed.
And yes, I am grateful for having so much choice over how I spend my time.
I always wonder about shrinks in private practice like that, if they like it or get bored. The independence of cash-only private patients sure is appealing.
I do like the independence of practice, but I make sure to stay connected with my colleagues in a variety of ways. And I think I would do the same were I in another specialty.
I meet colleagues periodically for lunch.
One day a week, I work in a group setting with other psychiatrists and non physician therapists I like and respect.
I meet quarterly with a group of therapists and we discuss challenging cases.
I meet twice a year with a group of psychiatrists I have worked with in the past and we have a speaker and socialize.
I am active in my fields's list-serve community and in that of my sub-specialty.
And, of course, I am an active reader in my favorite medical blogging communities.
I really relate to your post. People at work can sometimes drive me crazy by complaining about their pay or their entitlements. For fcksake, I feel like yelling, there are people out there in our community right now working longer hours, with longer commutes, no sick leave/holidays, no prestige and earning a fifth of our incomes. Shut up about your investment properties and suck it down about your paper cuts.
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