PRESCRIBING CHANGE
Drawing up the Animation of Health Care
8 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE
Are we blank slates at birth ? My personal opinion says “ No .” Why ? Because I have a personal opinion . We all do … even at birth . We have an opinion on when we should eat , when we should be entertained and more importantly , be comforted . We continue on our growth and maturity path shaping those opinions with our experiences .
Who was I to be ?
Eeyore : the character that thinks of so much , but feels helpless to make any changes – he just continues to hang out with his friends , hoping something will go his way . That is definitely not me . Never was . I don ’ t see that personality style making it through medical training and residency , let alone guiding patients to a healthier life . But maybe there is a little bit of Eeyore in each of us , at some points
by KRIS BARNSFATHER , MD , MBA in our life . And I find that ’ s okay as I get wiser ( fine , older , I said it !).
Spiderman : this character hangs around getting entangled with plots and villains yet is always pining for a certain someone , all while helping the public with vigilante-style tactics . We might be getting closer to me , but still not a great fit . I have no intention of doing things vigilante-style . I ’ m a rule follower ( speeding is not technically a “ rule ”). I don ’ t pine away for someone while I hide my identity . I have a marriage 33 years strong and have always been honest and clear in who I am and what I need from him / us . Yes , that means we have had some doozy fights over the years , lol !
Superman : the guy that flies around , speed of sound , changing clothes in a phone booth – he ’ d like more time with a certain someone while saving the distressed , one episode at a time : now this strikes a chord ! That saving stuff seems familiar , but I ’ d need oxygen up in the air like that .
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : these characters have quirks and