Why am I still doing this

I t is a great honor to have been elected president of this organization. I knew a year ago that I would have to make a few remarks today. At first I was tempted to review some clinical or research interest, or address the disturbing changes occurring in medicine: the loss of autonomy, prestige, and income. But on further reflection I would rather offer some personal observations about surgery to try to describe the qualities that attracted me to vascular surgery and keep me interested and committed. The title of this talk came to me several months ago at the end of a hectic day. There was an educational seminar, surgery in several hospitals, PHO, and committee meetings-you know what I mean. Finally while relaxing after a late dinner, I was asked to see a cardiac surgical patient on a respirator with abdominal distension, renal failure, and an ischemic leg following insertion of an intra-aortic balloon pump. After a few hours of surgery, I found myself sitting on a stool in the corner of the OR, groaning aloud, “Why am I still doing this?” The OR supervisor who overheard my whimpering answered, “Because, Doctor, you’re too young to retire and too old for a paper route; besides, you don’t know how to do anything else!” Well there is some truth here. But on further thought the real reason is that I love what I do.