President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Rep. Tom Price for Health and Human Services Secretary. As part of 番茄社区's coverage we are republishing this "10 Questions" interview, which was first published February 9, 2014
What do you most often wish you could say to patients but don't? That's just one of the 10 questions the 番茄社区 staff is asking clinicians, researchers, and leaders in their community to get their views on their chosen profession. Here's the answer to that question and others from , an orthopedic surgeon who has served in Congress since 2005.
Price graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor before completing his residency in orthopedic surgery at Emory University in Atlanta. Before coming to Washington, Price served as medical director of the orthopedic clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, teaching resident doctors in training.
1.What's the biggest barrier to practicing medicine today?
There is a remarkable level of nonmedical people making medical decisions. That makes it more and more difficult to truly be a patient's advocate.
2. What is your most vivid memory involving a patient who could not afford to pay for healthcare (or meds, tests, etc.) and how did you respond?
In my more than 20 years practicing medicine, we cared for thousands of patients without insurance or the ability to pay. We never treated them any differently than an individual who had coverage. The only thing holding our current system of healthcare together is the altruism of those providing the care.
3. What did you most often wish you could say to patients, but didn't?
I was always very candid with my patients. They want to know that you are working for them, not someone else. We made certain they knew that.
4. If you could change or eliminate something about the healthcare system, what would it be?
Medical decisions should be made by patients, families, and doctors -- not policymakers and insurance companies.
5. What is the most important piece of advice for med students or doctors just starting out today?
Always remember to keep the patient first!
6. What is your "elevator" pitch to persuade someone to pursue a career in medicine?
Caring for one's fellow man is a privilege unmatched by any other. There is no more noble endeavor than caring for people. With the remarkable innovations just around the corner, the opportunity to treat and cure disease is going to be unparalleled.
7. What is the most rewarding aspect of being a doctor?
As a physician, I had the privilege of affecting individual lives in a very fundamental and positive way. To have people put their lives in your hands is an honor unmatched in most human activity.
8. What is the most memorable research published since you became a physician and why?
It's impossible to pick just one. Virtually every single medical speciality has made vast strides and progress in treating disease and caring for the injured. During the later years of my career, I was performing surgery with new technologies and procedures that weren't available to us when I began. In my field of orthopedic surgery, the innovation and utilization of newer, stronger, more dynamic and more efficient implants for various problems has been phenomenal.
9. Do you have a favorite hospital-based TV show?
Admittedly, I don't have much time to watch television. I'll age myself here, but "M*A*S*H" was probably my favorite doctor or medical-based show.
10. What is your advice to other physicians on how to avoid burnout?
My advice is two-fold. First, never lose sight of our mission -- caring for people. Second, be certain to have some activities and hobbies completely outside of medicine.