2020 RICHARD SPEAR, MD, MEMORIAL ESSAY CONTEST
Each year, GLMS invites physicians, residents and students to take part in the Richard Spear, MD, Memorial Essay Contest. For the first time, this year
we hosted a photo essay contest, asking members to submit a photo and short essay regarding “Empowering Physicians to Inspire.” We received
several heartfelt entries detailing various sources of inspiration such as familial influences, the passion to learn, and the magic of seeing a transplant
for the very first time. We hope you enjoy the two winning essays which were judged anonymously.
PRACTICING & LIFE MEMBER CATEGORY WINNER
EMPOWERING PHYSICIANS TO INSPIRE
David Dageforde, MD
Dr. Dageforde is the only two-time winner of the
Richard Spear, MD, Memorial Essay Contest.
to Sanitas
Healthcare, Doctor.
As the center’s CMO,
I wanted to stop by
and discuss your orientation
experience.
But first, can you tell
“Welcome about the picture
behind your desk?”
“Taken while hiking, this picture reveals both the magnitude of
the world and the smallness of one individual. This picture serves
as a constant reminder that my practice must be more than relative
value units and patient numbers; my practice has to embrace hope,
truth, friendship and love, all of which are part of caring for patients
and oneself.”
“How did your orientation experience support your practice
goals?”
“During the observation session, I noticed pedestrians continuously
passing three people standing on a street corner, apparently unwilling
to cross the street. Frustrated no one would help them, I exited the
room, approached the individuals, and discovered the mother was
blind and her two children were frightened to cross the intersection.
People from all backgrounds of life are our neighbors, and we should
care for them unconditionally. Take time to see.”
“And from the interactive program focusing on work motivation?”
“I found it interesting that the program generated a weak smiley
face for income amounts and fancy vacations. Volunteering and
mentoring generated a complete and satisfying smile. Research has
documented people who view work as a calling are far more satisfied
and enjoy work more than those who work just for money.”
“Doctor, you are on your way to fulfilling your practice goals. We
here at Sanitas Healthcare support you in your goals. You may join
evidence-based committees on quality, as well as some volunteer
teaching clinics with students. Any time you spend outside direct
patient care fulfilling these goals will be monetarily compensated and
time allowed from your work schedule to engage in these activities.
Welcome to Sanitas Healthcare.
Dr. Dageforde is a retired interventional cardiologist and now serves as Board Chair
for the Shawnee Christian Healthcare Center.
4 LOUISVILLE MEDICINE