FROM THE PRESIDENT by LEWIS HARGETT , MD
Medicine As a Career
This is the season to reflect and give thanks for many blessings . Thanksgiving is over and we have enjoyed gathering with family and friends . The holiday season will continue with Christmas and New Year ’ s Day . I want to give thanks for being blessed with choosing medicine as a career . The idea of becoming a physician started in high school after a career fair . At the career fair , there were several professions represented . I was impressed with the ophthalmologist ’ s presentation on careers in medicine , and his discussion on becoming a physician . After the presentation , I talked with him about his job as a physician . This discussion was very inspiring and interesting . As I matriculated through college , my interest in being a physician was reinforced through my biology and chemistry professors . In college , I had the opportunity to shadow physicians , volunteer at health fairs , clinics and hospitals . Also , I visited and toured several medical schools . All of those factors led me to continue pursuing medicine as a profession .
In 1987 , I achieved my goal of becoming a physician by graduating from Meharry Medical College in Nashville , Tennessee . My private practice began after completing residencies in internal medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Louisville . In July 2024 , I celebrated my 30th year in private practice . I often look back and wonder where the time has gone .
Throughout the years , I have been busy practicing as a general physiatrist ( the official term for a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist ). The goal of rehabilitation is to help patients achieve their highest level of function as they recover from various disabilities . As a rehab physician , it has been very rewarding to serve as the team leader that assists patients in their recovery process .
My practice as a general physiatrist included inpatient and outpatient medicine . This busy inpatient practice included admitting patients to Frazier Rehab Institute and Baptist East Rehab with a wide range of diagnoses to include TBI ( traumatic brain injury ), strokes , amputations , spinal cord injuries , medically complex , post-transplant , etc . I also rendered medical care for patients in skilled nursing units who were admitted for subacute rehab . In my medical office , I performed EMGs , injected joints , completed IME ( Independent
Medical Examination ) tests , assessed and treated musculoskeletal injuries , etc . Through the years , I have been dedicated to improving the health and well-being of my patients . I always looked forward to working every day treating a variety of rehab medical conditions .
My career has been very rewarding , especially when I was voted for and recognized as a “ Top Doc ” several times . On numerous occasions , I delivered presentations on preventive health and well-being and participated in career days for students ( junior high through college ). In addition , I have been a mentor and allowed shadowing for students interested in the medical profession . My participation on hospital committees has been extensive , serving as a member and chair on numerous committees . I have also enjoyed the camaraderie with my fellow physicians in the doctors ’ lounges , hospitals , medical staff meetings , social events and professional conferences . All of those experiences have led to lifelong friendships with colleagues and professional networking .
In addition to my busy clinical practice , I have been involved in organized medicine . There are several reasons that led to my participation . The practice of medicine has changed greatly over the years . There have been more intrusions by hospitals , corporations , governments and politicians in how medicine is practiced in this country . There has been a proliferation of “ mid-level providers ” in the health care work force and medicine has become increasingly more specialized . The threat of malpractice lawsuits continues to increase . Therefore , all of those many factors have contributed to my participation in physicians ’ organized medical groups to include GLMS ( Greater Louisville Medical Society ), KMA ( Kentucky Medical Association ), AMA ( American Medical Association ), NMA ( National Medical Association ) as well as my specialty societies . As time passed , my goal was to seek leadership positions and become more proactive in these medical organizations . This participation in organized medicine has led me to advocate for legislation that affects the medical profession , private practice and patients ’ health care . My leadership skills have been enhanced through participation in organized medicine . New relationships have also been formed outside of clinical practice with other leaders in hospital administration , government and business .
In conclusion , as I reflect on my career , the practice of medicine has been challenging but rewarding . Rapid change continues to take place . Through it all , I have achieved my career goals . I have found satisfaction treating and helping patients during their most vulnerable time , assisting patients recover from various illnesses or infirmities and ultimately reach their highest level of function . Throughout the years , I have been asked numerous times , would you still be a physician knowing what you know now ? Without hesitation , I say a resounding “ Yes .” My years of participation in clinical and organized medicine have provided experiences and insights in the medical field . In closing , my career goals have been fulfilled . I am now a seasoned medical professional at the top of my game !
Dr . Hargett is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in private practice .
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