Synergy - Story and Reflection

After residency training, my first job was back in my hometown. My dad, also a family doc, worked in the same healthcare system but in a different office - until his office was closed and he moved into mine. We actually shared a patient care hallway for a couple of years.

We had vastly different approaches to patient care, yet his patients (of 30+ years) only wanted to see me when he was out, and my patients, too, developed a bond with him as well. Most of them actually appreciated a different style every now and then. We each realized we operated best from differing strengths.

On one hand, it was fantastic to work alongside his experience - he was always happy to look over my X-rays, give me a quick pearl, and help me navigate the local medical system. On the other, I felt like his wisdom just further magnified my deficiencies. Self-doubt ran high in the early days.

Then, one day, he came into my office to ask about some newer rheumatologic testing and how best to use them. I had done an elective with a rheumatologist and felt it was an area of strength. And so, I walked him through the pros, cons, pitfalls, and best practices with ease. He was genuinely appreciative.

It was powerful for me to realize that, even as a new physician, I could contribute value to his clinical decision-making.

The power of complementary skills and styles!

In this case, the hard-won experiential knowledge applied in his manner, combined with the latest evolving knowledge doled out in my own way, actually made us a remarkable team.

Reflection: What about you?

Where can you lighten judgment about differing styles?

Where can you see your value and contribution?

How can you find synergy with your colleagues or others outside of medicine?

The remainder of the above chapter in my life: After a couple of years, shortly after he retired, I moved into caring for the underserved more intentionally outside that healthcare organization. Those early years, however, provided me with cherished memories and incredible growth.