40th Medical School Reunion

I recently went to my 40th medical school reunion in Virginia. It was the last weekend of April. 

Approximately 1/2 of my classmates had already retired. Others were in the process of considering retirement. Some were still working full-time, while others were working part-time. 

Many of those still working were radiologists and anesthesiologists. 

While there I joked with them that it was because, for the most part, they didn't have to speak with patients who were "awake."

Basically, most all of those, including me, who had a career in family medicine had either retired or were strongly considering retirement in the near future.

I was honored and humbled by the trust given to me by (most of) my patients and their family/caregivers over the years. Despite the era of high-tech medicine, the doctor-patient relationship remained the cornerstone for my practice over the years.

(I've always landed in the circle geometric shape when personality characteristics were assessed: someone who places a high value on interpersonal relationships)

However, due to my circle tendencies, I think I may have had more prolonged daily drama-filled, intense, intimate, and often bizzare patient/family/caregiver encounters than many colleagues who were a different geometric shape. And, as I transitioned into a leadership role, many interactions with my fellow doctors, advanced practice providers, and staff were much the same.

While I was truly privileged to have become such a well-informed anthroplogist over the years, it was also one of the reasons to finally walk away.

I'll document others, as I continue to get my post-retirement thoughts togther.