I recently gave a lecture in which I asked the question, “Do You Choose Money Over Family?” Of course, everyone would answer with a resounding no. No one would ever admit to choosing money over family. Yet isn’t that exactly what we do when we choose to moonlight? Or work extra shifts? That statement will … Read more
I retired from my general surgery career in my early fifties, after 23 years in practice, almost exactly according to the plan I made in medical school. Most people congratulate me for achieving my goal. A few vilify me for wasting my medical education, as if it is never acceptable for a physician to retire. … Read more
I have watched medicine evolve throughout my career, and much of it has not been for the better. There have been great breakthroughs that save lives: developing vaccines in record time, quick and easy CT scans, being able to see x-rays and labs from home, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery are a few that come … Read more
Many physicians love what they do and would never dream of retiring early. But doctors cannot sustain working at the same physical level into their 60s and 70s as they did in their 30s. As we age, we need to modify our practice in order to continue practicing. In my book, The Doctors Guide to … Read more
I never really understood the concept of being at the end of my rope, hanging on for dear life, until I experienced it myself. How can someone with MD behind their name, the cream of the crop, end up in tears and unable to go on? Doctors are one of the most resilient groups of … Read more
Many doctors are talking about retiring early from medicine. In fact, about one third of doctors in the U.S. want to either quit medicine or make a major change in their practice. But many doctors don’t want to retire early; they want to find ways to enjoy practicing into their 70s. Both of my senior … Read more
When buying a long-term service, such as insurance, or getting a big project done, such as painting your house, NEVER go with the first bid. Every company prices their product based on their recent experience, and since every companies past experience is different, their pricing method will also be different. One bid can be as … Read more
We are only a few weeks away from a flood of young new attendings hitting hospitals all over the country. There will also be many doctors whose first contract is coming to an end and they are moving to a new position. Both of these scenarios create an opportunity to make a first impression at … Read more
(Don’t miss my lectures today at the WCI Physician Wellness and Financial Literacy Conference. Get your tickets today for this awesome CME event going on right now.) Retirement is often thought of when we think about financial independence. The FIRE (Financial Independence/Retire Early) movement definitely ties the two together. But financial independence is so much … Read more
Thanksgiving is different this year, with the pandemic keeping us separated. It is the first year since I went into practice that we have not been part of a large extended family gathering. But even so, there are still things to be thankful for. I just finished reading the book, My American Journey, by Colin … Read more