Ортопед Мэттью Бернард: баланс между работой и семьей — ключ к успеху врача

Everyone's career starts somewhere, and for Dr. Matthew Bernard, it started after more than a decade of training. From the undergraduate years through medical school, internship and residency, Bernard got his first job as an orthopedic surgeon in 2011 at age 34. Working in medicine has taught Bernard many lessons, but perhaps the two most important have been learning time optimization and how to lean on those with more experience. Time optimization may look different for everyone, but in Bernard's case, it has meant finding the balance between surgical and clinical cases -- not doing too many of either per day lest he and his patients face lesser experiences. "Early on all of the pressures of medicine, the business of medicine want you to be efficient," Bernard said. "You get out, and you're excited, and you want to do as much as you can for as many people as you can. But, then you learn: 'How do I function? How do I be the best doc for me?'" For Bernard, being his best means doing a half-day of surgery or a half-day in the clinic, ensuring he is able to provide the best care for his patients and improve their experience while still conserving enough energy to go home and be the best husband and father he can be. When you're young, getting out of school and entering the workforce, you feel prepared to work, but there is wisdom to gain from experienced colleagues, Bernard said. In a surgeon's case, a more experienced doctor can help a younger one work through the difficulties that arise with patient care. Complications happen, and leaning on a more experienced surgeon for guidance is helpful, learning to "run toward your complication not away from it." As for what piece of wisdom sets one up for professional success, Bernard said,"find what you love and call it work." To learn more about Parkridge Bone and Joint, visit parkridgemedicalgroup.com.