RE: Turn Down Employee or Patient Solicitations
From: Jon Purdy, DPM
I find it is much simpler to institute a “policy” in the office that states we do not offer nor accept solicitations from our patients or each other. This keeps it very simple and protects us all from feeling obligated to stock up on cookies and candy bars. Stating, “All of our children are doing that as well, and it’s for a great cause. That is why we have an office policy to keep our charitable events outside of the office.”
Jon Purdy, DPM, New Iberia, LA, Podiatrist@mindspring.com
RE: Display Your Colors (Hal Ornstein, DPM)
From: Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM
This smacks of nationalism. You cannot require employees to display your colors! And it you do so yourself, does that make you a better American than someone who does not display your colors. Want to do some good? Don't charge veterans for care. They are the ones who have given.
Robert Scott Steinberg, DPM, Schaumburg, IL, Doc@FootSportsDoc.com
RE: Become a Better Public Speaker - Join Toastmasters
From: Michael Forman, DPM
The discussion of Toastmasters brought back one of my fondest memories. We had a resident in our program who had a significant speech impediment. I noticed some improvement during his residency as he was going to Toastmaster meetings. We became used to his speech problem during case presentations after a short while no one really heard the stutter, just his excellent presentations.
Toward the end of his residency he said he wanted to apply to speak at the Ohio Podiatric Medical Association annual resident competition. He wanted to put his skills to the test. I agreed and made him our representative, but certainly had reservations. At the meeting, I am sure I was more nervous than he was. I didn't care if he placed in the competition, I just didn't want to him to embarrass himself. You can guess the end of the story. He did incredibly well. His paper was important and his speech pattern was excellent. Clear - slow - concise. We all were so proud; but when he was announced as the winner among these well-trained highly educated podiatric residents; we were elated. All of his attendings and fellow residents in attendance were overwhelmed with pride and joy.
Michael Forman, DPM, Cleveland, OH, im4man@aol.com
RE: Deliver Holiday Gifts to Referrers in January (Chuck Ross, DPM)
From: Lynn Homisak
While I loved Chuck Ross's suggestion of extending "thanks" to the office staff instead of the doctors, another alternative is to send a meaningful donation to a charitable organization in the physician's (or practice's) name, One of my clients did this for me last year (for autism)...and knowing that the "gift" he sent in my name positively impacted others touched my heart in ways that no gift basket could. Try it. Whether you give or receive, this is one gift that leaves you "feeling good" long after the fruit or cookies are gone.
Lynn Homisak, Renton, WA, lynn@soshms.com
