Hey, class of 2000...

Optometric Management, Apr 2000 by Bowling, Ernie

I'd like to share some hard-earned truths.

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. You've undoubtedly accomplished a lot, and you deserve the pride and satisfaction you surely feel.

Consider it the ravings of a county doctor, but I'd like to share some of my hardearned truths in hopes of easing your transition from the ivory towers to the cold trenches. Here goes:

First, don't neglect your state boards. Although the diploma looks really great framed and hanging on the wall, the state license is what allows you to eat. Prepare yourself. Don't take these tests for granted. Horror stories abound. The best laid practice plans are for naught if you fail the licensing exams.

Always get it in writing, It's an old, but true, adage. Whether negotiating employment contracts, lease agreements or any aspect of your professional life, the written contract prevents many problems and can save your assets.

"You can run your practice or your practice can run you." Words from a very old, very wise optometrist. I didn't fully understand what he meant until I was on my own and trying to juggle the demands of an optometric business. Strive for balance in your life.

Don't re-invent the wheel. Most of us are out there alone, and when problems arise each one seems bigger than the one before. I can absolutely guarantee you're not alone in your suffering. Sometime, somewhere, long ago in a galaxy far, far away another O.D. has experienced exactly the same problem as you and has survived it. Make use of your colleagues' collective knowledge. We're really a friendly lot and love to talk about what we do (as long as we don't practice in the same town).

Get involved in your state optometric association It's a great source of information and is there to help you. Our profession is what it is because great, caring visionaries sacrificed their time (and, yes, money) to advance our abilities.

Learning doesn't stop with graduation. You probably don't want to hear this right now, but continuing education is required. After my early years (when my rump was still numb from school), I've adopted a new attitude: CE is costing me money! So pay attention - you're paying for it.

Develop a thick skin. If you haven't been fortunate enough to develop a thick skin (I have three colleagues to thank for mine, now might be a good time to start growing one. The day will come when a sweet, little, old lady will blister your ears with words you're sure she couldn't possibly understand - all because she doesn't see as well with her new glasses as she did with the last pair she had for 12 years. And, she says she's going to report you to the optometric society, Medicare, her lawyer and church congregation. Learn to live with it. You'll meet all kinds.

REST FOR LAST

Another very old and very wise O.D. the one I had the pleasure of following in practice - gave me the greatest piece of advice ever. I'll share it, at no charge:

"Just take care of your patients and they'll take care of you."

With managed care cutting into profits and management articles clamoring to us to work smarter and harder, never fail to take the time to truly care for your patients.

Also, don't forget your optometric roots. You may be the best medical diagnostician to ever don a white coat, but more often than not, the patient will decide how great a doctor you are by how well they see through their glasses.

So, good luck. Take your work, but not yourself, seriously. And keep in touch. This journal has great e-mail. Optometric chat rooms abound. And I love to talk-as long as you're not practicing in my town!

Dr. Bowling is in private practice. If you'd like to get in touch with him, you can e-mail him at: bowling@wavegate.com.