PAYING IT FORWARD
Story 6 : Study Your History
Dr . Kasdan has conducted hundreds of interviews for the plastic surgery residency and fellowships at UofL over the course of his career . He indicates that out of the many interviews , only two candidates knew the history of plastic surgery . Questions such as :
1 . Where does the word “ plastics ” from plastic surgery come from and what does it mean ?
2 . Where was the first residency program for plastic surgery in the U . S .?
3 . Who is considered the first plastic surgeon in the U . S .?
The answers to these questions separate candidates and potentially identify a hidden passion . He believes knowing the history of the specialty is a must .
Lesson 6 : Knowing the history of a specialty means building on those who came before you .
Story 7 : Nurses are the Doctors ’ Best Friends
Dr . Kasdan emphasizes the importance of befriending the nurses . Nurses are vital to the success of a patient ’ s well-being . He shared that one student lost a residency spot because they were rude to a scrub nurse .
Dr . Kasdan advises to show up early to the operating room ( OR ) and ask if you can help with the setup process . He recommends remaining in the OR and helping the nurses move the patient after the procedure . Nurses will recognize your work . Being kind to the nurses will ensure you always feel welcome and confident in the OR while also having their support if needed . In the wise words of Dr . Kasdan , “ Nurses do not like jerks .”
Lesson 7 : Be the nicest person in the room and help others .
Story 8 : One Mistake Can Leave a Permanent Scar
Story 9 : Stay Calm , Cool and Collected
Dr . Kasdan shares more than one doctor has been sued for a word choice such as saying “ oops ” during a patient encounter . Patients do not like hearing these words and they wonder if the physician may have done something wrong . In these situations , he advises to stay calm and collected . If you must say something , say , “ This is interesting ,” or say nothing while maintaining composure to reassure the patient . In addition , it is important to remember that even the most minor procedures can have major complications . When complications do arise , check on the patient and family as often as possible . Doctors who are attentive to their patients ’ needs create lifelong relationships .
Lesson 9 : See a patient with a complication more often , not less .
Story 10 : Skills Sundays
Dr . Kasdan and Mrs . Ann have generously invited hundreds of medical students into their home every Sunday morning for over 20 years to teach students surgical skills that are not taught in the classroom . Their goal is to prepare students before they must go into the clinical setting .
I am inspired by his dedication to teach the next generation of physicians . One day I asked Dr . Kasdan why he goes above and beyond and so graciously opens his home to students . He responded , “ There were people who were good to me , and this is my way of paying it forward .” Dr . Kasdan inspires me to be a future physician who is as gracious and dedicated to helping the next generation as he .
Lesson 10 : Pay it forward .
Claire Fell is a third-year medical student at the University of Louisville School of Medicine .
Dr . Stutts is the Pediatric Medical Director for Abbott Nutrition .
In the hallway leading to Dr . Kasdan ’ s surgical skills classroom , there is a distinct item hanging on the wall . One day , I asked about the item . He shared it was a gift from one of his best students . This student graduated at the top of their medical school class and was one of the smartest students he had ever mentored . The student trained in surgery at a prestigious institution and was very talented . One day , the now-doctor showed up impaired to work . A lifetime of studying and training was ruined . The item serves as an important reminder . Dr . Kasdan always advises his students to think about each decision they make along with the potential impact on their future .
Lesson 8 : Never do anything to jeopardize your hard work or career .
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