|
Editorial FEBRUARY 2006
Firsts
Vivian M. Dickerson, MD
A few years ago I took an unprecedented step, and wrote a letter to the editor. While many of my colleagues would not find this unusual, for me it was a new behavior. Aside from the New
England Journal of Medicine or perhaps JAMA, I did not routinely read letters to the editor, let alone write them. I viewed such letters as I viewed audience-participation talk shows—ie, an opportunity for anyone, with our without credentials, to Òsound off.Ó I have since learned that writing a letter is no guarantee of publication, and that there are criteria applied to such correspondence before it is considered worthy of printing in a journal or a newspaper. However, as this was my first experience in this area, I was in for several surprises.
Thomas E. Nolan, MD, MBA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Female Patient, was the object of my virgin voyage into written retort. As I recall, I expressed disagreement with an editorial comment he had made regarding complementary and alternative medicine. While my intent was to suggest that we not demand higher levels of evidence than we require for many of the practices that constitute current standard of care, in my zealousness I left myself wide open to being labeled Òsoft on science.Ó Dr Nolan did not rise to the bait. Not only did he publish my remarks, with a brief comment, he contacted me a few months later and asked me to join his editorial board. This was a first for me, but also a chance to realize and appreciate that not all physicians cultivate and promote only those with whom they agree. I accepted Dr NolanÕs invitation on this consideration alone. I was impressed with him and his editorial integrity, and I wanted to be part of his journal.
With this edition of The Female Patient, we bid Tom farewell as Editor-in-Chief, and congratulate him on his superb work. We will miss him sorely, and we owe him many thanks. Succeeding Dr Nolan as the new Editor-in-Chief is another first for me, and I have big shoes to fill. I am proud to follow in his footsteps.
I was asked to devote my first editorial to Òfirsts.Ó Our society places great value on firsts: first place, first on your block, first child, first love, or first date. Few people remember who was the second man on the moon, or who finished second among the women in the 2005 New York City marathon. I readily admit to being personally gratified for the firsts that I have achieved in my life. For example, I am proud to have been the first woman in my family ever to receive a college degree. It was an honor to be the first woman to become a partner in my professional practice group. I will always honor the privilege of serving as the first female District Chair for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. And I will be thrilled when I can vote for the first female President of the United States. But more importantly, who amongst us has not felt that special glow when a patient says, ÒDoctor, you are the first person who listened to me,Ó or ÒThank you—you are the first doctor who figured out what my problem is.Ó
I have thought a lot about firsts recently, but it was not until last night, as I watched a special television program on the history-making US womenÕs soccer team, that I realized why it is so very special to be first. These amazing women talked not about their personal achievements, but about the team, and about how they were most proud of creating a future in which the young women who followed in their footsteps would be recognized, admired, and (best of all) accepted as true athletes. And I realized that—more important than any personal achievement—being first is about encouraging the next person to succeed, mentoring, being part of change, and participating in the birth of a new paradigm. To be first is also to be vulnerable, and sometimes to go without the recognition and ascendance to greatness to which so many aspire.
As physicians, we have numerous opportunities to be first—but we often fail to recognize
or appreciate them in our daily world of routine and paperwork. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that our future as physicians is increasingly on the line. We are under siege in many arenas, and we need people with vision who are willing to achieve the Òfirsts,Ó to make a difference, or to advocate for those who do. We have been blessed with mentors and role models. I urge all in our profession to don the mantle of leadership, mentorship, and advocacy—first for our patients, and then for our fellow professionals. This is part and parcel of creating and guaranteeing our future. However, it is also important to remember that being first is, by definition, only the beginning. I see no limit to where we can go from here.
Vivian M. Dickerson, MD
Editor-in-Chief
back
to top
|
