When You've Made it

[oldman]

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Have you thought about what will define it when you've "made it" in medicine?

i.e. getting the fancy car, getting the position at the ivory tower, presenting your research at some meeting at the podium, seeing the face on a grateful patient you helped save?

 

[Oso]

When I can buy some damn tacos without feeling guilty about spending more money that isn’t even mine

 

[person777]

Having a disposable income in general

 

[676188]

When I'm debt free. I'm a non-trad student who's been married 20 years this fall...we haven't been debt-free since 2000.

 

[Oso]

When I'm debt free. I'm a non-trad student who's been married 20 years this fall...we haven't been debt-free since 2000.

Damn ... alright I'll stop complaining about the tacos

 

[NotASerialKiller]

When I can feel feelings again

 

[deleted804295]

If I go into medicine I think making it will probably be living in some remote area with a spouse and kids. Being the town doctor and being in a tight knit community.

 

[Catalystik]

Have you thought about what will define it when you've "made it" in medicine?

i.e. getting the fancy car, getting the position at the ivory tower, presenting your research at some meeting at the podium, seeing the face on a grateful patient you helped save?

Mastering the art of entering patient data into the EHR during a clinical encounter while maintaining patient eye contact 90% of the time. Would make the patient feel cared about. Would keep my schedule on time, so less stress. But, yeah: impossible.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

When I'm debt free. I'm a non-trad student who's been married 20 years this fall...we haven't been debt-free since 2000.

Since 2004 here. I feel your pain.

 

[BadSanta]

Have you thought about what will define it when you've "made it" in medicine?

i.e. getting the fancy car, getting the position at the ivory tower, presenting your research at some meeting at the podium, seeing the face on a grateful patient you helped save?

You will never “make it”. At least I won’t, because every time I achieve something, I turn my efforts towards the next goal.

When I was an undergrad, I thought getting into medical school was making it. Now it is residency. After that, it will becoming an attending. And yes, after that, it will be having the ability to make autonomous decisions that will not cause harm.

 

[srpprs]

Mastering the art of entering patient data into the EHR during a clinical encounter while maintaining patient eye contact 90% of the time. Would make the patient feel cared about. Would keep my schedule on time, so less stress. But, yeah: impossible.

Semi-related question. How necessary is typing skill as a physician? I am about average, but never learned to type properly (do not use all my fingers). Is this something I should work on going into M1 or is it unnecessary?

 

[Catalystik]

Semi-related question. How necessary is typing skill as a physician? I am about average, but never learned to type properly (do not use all my fingers). Is this something I should work on going into M1 or is it unnecessary?

There are check boxes and pull-down menu items. And you can pretype many scripts to use for common assessments with plan, then copy/paste them. But for a detailed history that you type out as it comes from the patient's mouth, you have to type fast. However, speed comes with practice and you'll get plenty of that before you're expected to see x patients an hour.

I don't use all my fingers either.

 

[stickgirl390]

When I’ve earned my Gracie Jiu Jitsu Black belt

 

[Dr.Cut.em.up]

When I can feel feelings again

Right there with ya

 

[Medic741]

When I can buy some damn tacos without feeling guilty about spending more money that isn’t even mine

This.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I will never be satisfied. I will always want more. Any time I achieve something, I relax for awhile, and then get frustrated feeling lazy and like I'm a bum, and I push for something harder.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I don't understand the problem with Epic. Compared to GEMS and Paragon I find it very user friendly.

 

[Sagebrush]

I don't understand the problem with Epic. Compared to GEMS and Paragon I find it very user friendly.

We just switched from NextGen. Talk about terrible systems!

 

[IgEdoc]

For me it’s looking towards Retirement with great benefits and no more Medicine in one’s life... time to do many other things in life

 

[Catalystik]

I don't understand the problem with Epic. Compared to GEMS and Paragon I find it very user friendly.

I know of four attendings who quit the staff when Epic was instituted at a nearby hospital system. Young folks have no choice but to adapt; older ones can vote with their feet.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I just don't really mind adapting. Its been my life. I mean I was a Military Policeman/ machine gunner in the Army, and the Army is all about adapting and overcoming, then did Nursing, and am now transitioning to medical. I never like getting too set. When I get comfortable I try to make myself at least slightly uncomfortable.

 

[getdown]

I know of four attendings who quit the staff when Epic was instituted at a nearby hospital system. Young folks have no choice but to adapt; older ones can vote with their feet.

Unfortunately, this is only true if you are debt free and have a nice savings cushion. I know too many miserable attendings still working due to the fact they're still heavily in debt (poor financial decisions, too many wives and alimony, lavish lifestyle, etc) .

So I guess my answer to this question would be when I'm debt free also and can focus on earning for myself and family instead of my loan overlords.

 

[676188]

I know of four attendings who quit the staff when Epic was instituted at a nearby hospital system. Young folks have no choice but to adapt; older ones can vote with their feet.

I shadowed a doctor who had a scribe on staff just to follow him around and enter stuff in epic while he conducted exams. Older gentleman.

 

[RNtoMD87]

I shadowed a doctor who had a scribe on staff just to follow him around and enter stuff in epic while he conducted exams. Older gentleman.

I don't understand why physicians have a problem with the EMR. Either adapt and learn or like this guy get a scribe. We are in a technological age and paper charts just don't cut it anymore.

 

[Blackdogue]

For me it’s looking towards Retirement with great benefits and no more Medicine in one’s life... time to do many other things in life

I don't know, while I'm certainly not the hardest working person, I have my doubts about retirement. I think people are happier and healthier when they can still feel productive and useful at an advanced age. So, while I'm surely gonna take it slow after my sixties, I don't think I will be happy retiring altogether. Maybe working a few hours, teaching or research will be the most fulfilling for me. It's nice to still have goals. Of course if you have goals outside of medicine, by all means pursue them, but I don't think travelling and picking up new hobbies is gonna cut it. One of the best way to feel valued is when someone pays you to do stuff.

 

[person777]

I don't know, while I'm certainly not the hardest working person, I have my doubts about retirement. I think people are happier and healthier when they can still feel productive and useful at an advanced age. So, while I'm surely gonna take it slow after my sixties, I don't think I will be happy retiring altogether. Maybe working a few hours, teaching or research will be the most fulfilling for me. It's nice to still have goals. Of course if you have goals outside of medicine, by all means pursue them, but I don't think travelling and picking up new hobbies is gonna cut it. One of the best way to feel valued is when someone pays you to do stuff.

Retired people are so much happier than people working in their 40s and 50s though. Not only that I’ve noticed that they’re way more healthy.

 

[Blackdogue]

Retired people are so much happier than people working in their 40s and 50s though. Not only that I’ve noticed that they’re way more healthy.

They tend to die earlier though, isn't that right? Anyway, it's personal. Some people really don't know what to do with that time, and that's a problem. I think I might be one of those people. You are probably not.

 

[person777]

They tend to die earlier though, isn't that right? Anyway, it's personal. Some people really don't know what to do with that time, and that's a problem. I think I might be one of those people. You are probably not.

I wasn’t trying to make a personal attack on you but ok. I also like to be productive but I’m also young and healthy so I don’t believe I can speak for someone who’s at retirement or even myself when I get there.

Anyway I think this will the the last time I try to have a discussion on SDN bc ppl here are so defensive.

 

[Blackdogue]

I wasn’t trying to make a personal attack on you but ok. I also like to be productive but I’m also young and healthy so I don’t believe I can speak for someone who’s at retirement or even myself when I get there.

Anyway I think this will the the last time I try to have a discussion on SDN bc ppl here are so defensive.

No, man, I wasn't offended at all, don't be discouraged. I didn't realize my comment sounded defensive, I apologize. I was merely trying to exchange ideas. That's the second time someone on sdn misinterpreted my comments. I guess I might have to improve my online communication skills.

 

[Catalystik]

I shadowed a doctor who had a scribe on staff just to follow him around and enter stuff in epic while he conducted exams.

I wish.

 

[500miles]

Debt free really is the new rich for us millennials. When I am a doctor and have paid off my lones I'll feel like i made it. Just knowing that you could quit tomorrow without crushing debt and become a janitor is my idea of freedom.

 

[Rooster Booster]

I wish.

Too funny. He's living the dream!

 

[AnatomyGrey12]

I will feel like I’ve made it when I can play bogey free rounds of golf.

 

[IgEdoc]

Same thing happened when Epic was first instituted at my work...some MD exodus. I am comfortable with it now once you get your library of “dot” smart phrases, menus, “generalized” templates...it takes me 4 minutes tops to do H&P plus a thorough advice/management plan for the patient.

 

[Deleted member 737595]

Rolex

 

[DrRiker]

Debt free really is the new rich for us millennials. When I am a doctor and have paid off my lones I'll feel like i made it. Just knowing that you could quit tomorrow without crushing debt and become a janitor is my idea of freedom.

This is too true. Hoping so badly for a strong scholarship anywhere. It would be great to have such freedom professionally down the road.

 

[DoctorSwagger]

You’ve made it when you are a freshman bio/ pre-Med.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[oldman]

Semi-related question. How necessary is typing skill as a physician? I am about average, but never learned to type properly (do not use all my fingers). Is this something I should work on going into M1 or is it unnecessary?

I'm a fast typist and it really helps with my work. Some physicians have scribes to facilitate their notes. There are also oral transcriptionists (traditional dictation or Dragon). No matter what you do, your charting will consume a large part of your life.

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

Mastering the art of entering patient data into the EHR during a clinical encounter while maintaining patient eye contact 90% of the time. Would make the patient feel cared about. Would keep my schedule on time, so less stress. But, yeah: impossible.

On the bright side..... this is pretty much why my job as a scribe is well secure for the time being 😉

 

[PhilzCoffeeAddict]

When I see a patient, talk to them and figure out what is going on. As someone who hasn't studied yet, I feel so helpless when people ask about medical ailments.

Also, and I just want to do this once.... I just want to walk in a store and buy something I like without ever looking at the price tag. I'm not talking an omega watch or something expensive. Just something along the lines of Gap or Banana Republic. Just go in, see a shirt I like and pay for it without any feelings off "Can I afford this right now?"

 

[getdown]

1) A past chair of the Board of Trustees at AMA who was also longtime faculty at a medical school, stayed working until 65 solely for the medical plan
2) is 3 ex-wives and 4 kids too many? or is it 4 ex-wives and 3 kids? I never get that straight anymore

I personally wouldn't mind working past 65 because I love doing what I'm doing and I can't imagine being retired and doing nothing all day. I'd be super bored.

I'd rather 4 ex-wives and 3 kids because that's one less kid you'll have to put through college.

 

[HuskyMD Emeritus]

Become an Adcom member!

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I personally wouldn't mind working past 65 because I love doing what I'm doing and I can't imagine being retired and doing nothing all day. I'd be super bored.

I'd rather 4 ex-wives and 3 kids because that's one less kid you'll have to put through college.

I have a friend who was retired for 2 years, got bored, then went to work at a running store because he loves to run and it lets him get out and talk to people.

 

[moggat]

R01.

 

[Lucca]

R01.

Equivalently, id like to own a unicorn.

 

[username456789]

I don't understand why physicians have a problem with the EMR. Either adapt and learn or like this guy get a scribe. We are in a technological age and paper charts just don't cut it anymore.

It’s largely because EMRs male everything much more inefficient. Much of what is required to enter into the EMR and all the clicks add no value to patients or physicians. They are for data collection or to satisfy some ridiculous MACRA/Medicare/etc requirement.

I’m a young attending (35) and very computer savvy, but I also remember what it was like with paper charts. I could see patients at a significantly faster rate with paper charts than with EMR. I can only imagine the difference for some of the older more computer illiterate attendings.

The combination of decreased efficiency and increased pressure from hospital overlords to pump out more patients often creates a terrible mismatch in expectations/reality. This isn’t just a bunch of old guys not liking technology. It’s that every year there are more and more technological hoops to jump through, effectively rationing care by limiting how productive you can be in a given time interval.

 

[RNtoMD87]

It’s largely because EMRs male everything much more inefficient. Much of what is required to enter into the EMR and all the clicks add no value to patients or physicians. They are for data collection or to satisfy some ridiculous MACRA/Medicare/etc requirement.

I’m a young attending (35) and very computer savvy, but I also remember what it was like with paper charts. I could see patients at a significantly faster rate with paper charts than with EMR. I can only imagine the difference for some of the older more computer illiterate attendings.

The combination of decreased efficiency and increased pressure from hospital overlords to pump out more patients often creates a terrible mismatch in expectations/reality. This isn’t just a bunch of old guys not liking technology. It’s that every year there are more and more technological hoops to jump through, effectively rationing care by limiting how productive you can be in a given time interval.

But with paper charts, it’s a nightmare to coordinate care with others. At my last job our nursing flow sheets were paper, patient charts were paper, everything was paper. I didn’t even have a computer log in. We had no idea of what the patients medical history was. Now that I moved to the Regional Medical Center which is a high tech 1100 bed hospital, I can access a complete patient history from YEARS ago, and see every little detail of the patients course.