Three spine surgeons look back on the happiest moments in their professional lives.
Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.
Next week's question: What are the most exciting aspects of being a spine surgeon today?
Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. CST.
Question: What was the happiest moment of your career?
Richard Kube, MD, Founder, CEO, Prairie Spine & Pain Institute, Peoria, Ill.: The happiest moment was also the most stressful. I opened a solo spine practice on Feb. 9, 2009. After a year of planning, we made the move and it was official. The stock market had collapsed just a couple of months prior, and no one would finance or give a loan to a medical startup, but there was no turning back. I started what I felt would be a paradigm shift in my region with respect to how spine care was delivered. It was exciting to embark on what is now a six-year journey. It was a remarkable time.
Christian G. Zimmerman, MD, MBA, Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, SAHS Neuroscience Institute, Boise, Idaho: At the top of the list are familial triumphs. However, most spinal surgeons have experienced society accolades in one form or another, be they national or international. But clearly in the grand picture of patient care, for me, the happiest of moments derive from satisfying results and patient gratification.
At the close of one's training, the indomitable forbearance and attitude is evenly pruned with enduring experience and a learned exposure. Genuine appreciation is duly noted and documented.
Robert S. Bray, Jr., MD, Founder, DISC Sports & Spine Center, Marina del Rey, Calif.: The happiest moment in my career was the day I opened the doors of my first outpatient surgery center, Diagnostic and Interventional Surgical Center. This allowed me to retain greater control of my cases and provide a higher quality of care to patients. Since then, I have been able to launch a second location in Newport Beach and see my original model for patient care expand successfully.