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01/05/2023 Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RESIDENCY PERSPECTIVES)
I smiled when I read of the “hard work” required
for residency, internship and fellowship training
in modern hospitals by recently graduated
podiatrists. I think all of us who had the honor to
have this experience can remember their own
stories. Mine occurred at a VA hospital. I mirror
all of your thoughts that this is a life-changing
opportunity. For privacy reasons I will not
disclose the location. It occurred during the
Vietnam War.
I was called on the hospital public address system
to report to the office of the Medical Director of
the hospital. I was terrified. I rolled over in my
mind possible “reasons” why I might be terminated.
Above all, I did not know what I could say to my
wife.
I entered his office, and he asked me to sit down.
He did not call me by my first name, but instead
used: Dr. Rosenblatt. He opened a book to a pre-
selected page and asked me to read it: Encapsulated
as: “The physician in active care of a VA patient
shall perform an internal investigation-review of
hospital employees in cases of alleged
malfeasance/improper communications between his
patient on the part of a hospital employee.”
He asked if I was the physician of present record
of “Mr. X” I responded affirmatively. Apparently,
the chief dietician of the hospital had allegedly
addressed my patient as “boy” during an
interaction. My patient was African American. This
is absolutely NOT something any VA employee should
do. It was a very serious charge. This was the
first time I had heard of the incident.
He would grant me a personal secretary and office
space for interviews. My report to the VA Hospital
Board must appear at his office within 30 days,
including my report of interviews with alleged
witnesses and the head dietician herself. This was
uncompensated and, on MY time, only. I must
complete all my present duties including all H and
Ps assigned and various rotations. I must not
discuss this with my department head or disclose my
report to anyone but him.
I was in shock. But I had work to do. I hardly knew
the head dietician, but she had not allowed my wife
to eat dinner with me in the cafeteria. But that
must be pushed aside in the interest of fairness
and justice. She could be fired summarily from her
over 30-year career if I adjudicated it happened.
My report opined that the event never occurred; and
I turned in about a 30-page report. She was not
fired.
Of all the remarkable experiences I had at the VA
hospital, this was the most unexpected. I have no
idea what the rules are now and if they were
modified or remain in force.
Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM, Henderson, NV
Other messages in this thread:
01/05/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RESIDENCY PERSPECTIVES)
From: Michael M. Rosenblatt, DPM
I smiled when I read of the “hard work” required for residency, internship, and fellowship training in modern hospitals by recently graduated podiatrists. I think all of us who had the honor to have had this experience can remember their own stories. Mine occurred at a VA hospital. I mirror all of your thoughts that this is a life-changing opportunity. For privacy reasons, I will not disclose the location. It occurred during the Vietnam War.
I was called on the hospital public address system to report to the office of the Medical Director of the hospital. I was terrified. I rolled over in my mind possible “reasons” why I might be terminated. Above all, I did not know what I could say to my...
Editor's note: Dr. Rosenblatt's extended-length letter can be read here.
01/03/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RESIDENCY PERSPECTIVES)
From: Daniel Chaskin, DPM
Getting enough sleep is important to keep one’s immune system healthy, especially while working in a pandemic. My guess is that most podiatric residency directors care about the health of their podiatric residents. They likely understand this and voluntarily suggest their residents get enough sleep for both their own health as well as the health of the patients being treated. More rest and sleep are needed to better avoid mistakes that affect patient care.
Daniel Chaskin, DPM, Flushing, NY
01/02/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RESIDENCY PERSPECTIVES) -PART 1B
From: Howard Zlotoff, DPM
I enjoyed reading Dr. Felley’s article about residency programs. I had been a resident at a high-powered program that required 12-14 hours of daily responsibilities from 6 am pre-op rounds, operative assignments, post-operative rounds, and educational lectures, etc. My real life was suspended for years while I participated in my program. My marriage was tested and my health was stressed at times.
Then I went into private practice which was surgically oriented, and I quickly realized what a gift I was given. Private practitioners handed me the blade to cut on their patients, under their supervision of course, knowing I had no idea what I was doing. That takes unique character and strength once I became the surgeon handing over the blade.
Residents are vital to our medical system and their experiences in the operating room more than compensate them for the hours of work, inconveniences, and frustrations a program places on them. So, attending surgeons, please take a few moments to thank your staff and residents. And likewise, residents, take a moment to communicate your appreciation to be given this unique opportunity in your medical training!
Howard Zlotoff, DPM, Camp Hill, PA
01/02/2023
RESPONSES/COMMENTS (RESIDENCY PERSPECTIVES) - PART 1A
From: Gene Mirkin, DPM
Kudos to Dr. Felley! For those of us who have been there and done that, his comments are a refreshing acknowledgment that hard work is expected as part of the training to become a doctor and surgeon. What a privilege to do what we do! I have no doubt this kind of attitude will pay dividends not only in his residency but also in his career! Nice job, Dr. Felley!
Gene Mirkin, DPM, Annapolis, MD
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