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PHYSICIAN
RETIREMENT

We transition from unformed Potential to formed Professional with
the help of teachers, mentors, genetic gifts, proper nurturing, nudging,
questioning, telling stories and believing them, answering offers, invi-
tations, and opportunities, overcoming obstacles and crises, and en-
tering dialogue with friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Sometimes
we push and sometimes we are pushed. As Bob Dylan has said, every-
one serves somebody.
As we go on there is lifelong learning. There is belief in science, lit-
erature, comradery, interprofessionalism, and advancement of society
and culture. If we are fortunate, we reach out to others and they reach
out to us. found great joy guiding and mentoring the next generation of caring,
Two years ago, I was living the quiet life of a Hill Country gentle- effective and happy physicians.
man learning about wild hogs, scorpions, snakes, and grandchildren During my academic career, I became more active in BCMS. One
when Adam Ratner asked if I would visit him at UIW (University of of my favorite BCMS activities is serving on the Publications and
the Incarnate Word) School of Osteopathic Medicine to discuss the Communications Committee. On this committee, we have fun dis-
new school. What follows is Adam’s explanation as to what has hap- cussing the contents of our excellent magazine, San Antonio Medicine.
pened in his life that led to this fortuitous meeting. At one of these Publications and Communications Committee
meetings, who should I see but John Seidenfeld. I remembered work-
Ratner: ing with him decades ago when I was in private practice.
John is correct, life is segmented, particularly if lived fully. I didn’t
really know and appreciate this early on. Seidenfeld:
When I completed my residency and fellowship, I believed that was And so, it began again. Adam was passionate and excited about a
the end of my academic career. I returned to San Antonio where I case-based learning method at the SOM. After watching this process
grew-up and joined an active and growing private radiology practice. and a more Socratic question and answer, large group process, I had
I found that I particularly enjoyed building new imaging centers and found the next project along life’s path. That was some two years ago
developing new practices with my partners. I enjoyed this for two and since then I have been more involved with the learners in groups
decades until reimbursements changed in 2005-6 and I realized that studying cases, in pre-clinical education, and in community engage-
we probably wouldn’t be building any more imaging centers. I “retired” ment activities. The faculty has welcomed me and the ideas we are
from private practice with the plan to co-found a non-profit organi- working on together.
zation, The Patient Institute, to keep me busy and out of trouble. BCMS and the Publication Committee have provided a platform
Unfortunately, I was not busy at first while we waited for the IRS to discuss all aspects of medical practice. Steve Fitzer and the clinicians
501(c)3 determination letter to get the organization funded and run- who volunteer as counselors and officers with the medical society are
ning. To fill the time, I was spending too much time at Costco and the excellent role models. We are looking for others who still have a voice,
garage was filling up. an active mind, a heart flame, and interest in communicating with col-
One morning, after a few weeks of retirement, our high-school leagues about big and small projects. Lifelong learners please contact
aged daughter (now a psychiatry resident) came down the stairs, saw Adam or me and we would be glad to share or hear of your interests.
me in my bathrobe at the breakfast table (she never saw me at break-
fast prior to retirement), pointed her finger at me and exclaimed, *Hillel the Elder
“Dad, you’re lazy!”
I did not want to be a poor role model, and frankly I was bored. As John Seidenfeld, MD is the Chair of the Publications Com-
soon as she left for school that morning, I contacted Darlene Metter, mittee.
a friend and colleague at UT LSOM Department of Radiology, and
my second career in academic medicine began. I enjoyed several years Adam Ratner, MD is a member of the Publications Com-
at UT and then transitioned to UIWSOM when I heard they needed mittee and former President of the Bexar County Medical So-
a part-time radiologist. Both at UT LSOM and at UIWSOM, I have ciety.

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