Archives
-
Lessons from the past guide the future
An excerpt from the inaugural address of TAFP’s new president
By Melissa Gerdes, M.D.
TAFP President, 2010-2011As your president for the next year, I will live and advance our vision and mission. I will be your faithful servant, listener, and even cheerleader. Fortunately, I have some experience in each of these roles. I am sure you have heard of the book “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” I like to say much of what I really need to know to be a family physician, I learned before medical school.
My very first job at McDonald’s prepared me well for service. I was born in Chicago where the famous Hamburger University is located. Consequently, I got to work with many young recently trained managers for the company. McDonald’s is actually all about brand recognition and service, concepts I very much respect and push forward in my job today.
more -
Don’t let others define you
By Guy L. Culpepper, M.D.
During his recent NFL Hall of Fame induction speech, running back Emmitt Smith affirmed that refusing to let others define him was critical to his success. This simple, yet powerful advice has been a core value shared by champions throughout history. Success begins with a clear vision of one’s abilities and goals. Defining identity must not be swayed by the ever-present naysayers. This principle holds true across all spectrums of life; in faith, in business, and certainly in medicine.
Nicholas Pisacano, M.D., the founding director of the American Board of Family Practice, faced a multitude of naysayers and roadblocks when he led the efforts to have family practice recognized as the 20th medical specialty in 1969. To achieve that recognition required meticulous documentation and high standards of definition as to the training and responsibilities of the family physician. In other words, family physicians defined themselves. And Dr. Pisacano understood the importance of defining ourselves.
more