Surgeon surprise

A few weeks ago I had my final post-op visit with my shoulder surgeon. It has been four months since my rotator cuff repair and he has officially discharged me--and told me something I never knew about surgeons.

As his nurse led me back to the exam room, I noticed a sign announcing my surgeon's intent to retire later this year. I was at once glad that I'd had my surgery when I did, and sad that he won't be there if I need him in the future.

Dr. David (Fajgenbaum) has an animated personality and, as we talked about his decision to retire, it quickly became clear that he is very excited about hanging up his scalpel to spend more time with his family while he is still healthy to enjoy it. He is also looking forward to fewer sleepless nights. What the what?

He explained:

"My wife works in a hospital recovery room and when she wheels a patient out that door, that's it. She doesn't need to think about that person again. But that's not the case with surgeons. I never stop thinking about my patients and I've had many a sleepless night worrying about whether I missed something or could have done something differently. That's one thing I won't miss at all."

He stated this as if all surgeons feel as he does. Would that it were true. But I consider myself very lucky that he feels this way.

God bless you, David Fajgenbaum. May your retirement by long and healthy, and may you rest easy knowing that your patients are better--physically and otherwise--for having known you.