Taking things into perspective, prioritizing, and learning to say no. Here are two memorable statements that have helped me practice medicine while still maintaining a relatively calm, orderly, and happy life. A very close friend told me years ago, when he saw me overburdened with work and other activities, “Remember, Dexter, you can do anything, you just can’t do everything.” With regard to your work-life balance and your family and friends, are you committed to spending as much time and effort with your family and friends as with work? During this same busy period, one of my then-teenaged daughters told me to heed the “Serenity Prayer.” The short version is, “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference” [theologian Reinhard Neibuhr]. I listened, and now I can thankfully say that I am very content, looking forward to many more years in medicine and community work, and enjoying my health, my family, and my friends.
9. Do you have a favorite hospital-based TV show?
No, I don’t. After a day at work, over many years of medical practice, I find that I am constantly reminded how much is out there to enjoy and learn about in addition to medicine. My wife likes the history and wildlife channels, so I will watch these shows with her. Otherwise, I enjoy reading in the backyard, with birds, squirrels, and my dogs for company. In fact, getting away from medicine on a regular basis has helped me avoid burnout.
10. If you weren’t a physician, what profession would you like to try? I would probably go into law. I attended law school after being in practice for about ten years, thinking that health care law and policy would be both interesting and challenging. However, when I was faced with the option of practicing law or medicine, I chose medicine. Looking back, after being a physician for forty-five years, I cannot see myself in another profession. It has been both enjoyable and rewarding. In fact, it’s been just great!
Dexter Louie, MD, JD, MPA, is an otolaryngologist who has been based in San Francisco’s Chinatown since 1977. He was also associate medical director of the Chinese Community Health Plan, a community-based HMO, for fifteen years. Dr. Louie was born in San Francisco and received his BA from Stanford University and his MD and residency training from Tulane University. He received his JD and MPA degrees from Golden Gate University, San Francisco. He is a past president of the San Francisco Medical Society and past chair of the CMA Foundation board. Dr. Louie currently serves as chair of the Board of the National Council of Asian Pacific Islander Physicians and is a member of the AMA Commission to End Health Care Disparities. He also sits on tbe Steering Committee of the Network of Ethnic Physicians Organizations, a project of the CMA Foundation. These organizations focus on issues of health and health care disparities, health care access, and meaningful and effective patient engagement. Dr. Louie was recently appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Office of Health Equity, California Department of Public Health.
Mayo Clinic Nutrition and Wellness in Health and Disease September 18-19, 2014 Marriott Marquis • San Francisco, CA Gain the knowledge you need to support your patients’ nutrition, physical activity and wellness needs.
Register at: www.mayo.edu/cme/nutrition2014 WWW.SFMS.ORG
JULY/AUGUST 2014 SAN FRANCISCO MEDICINE
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