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: 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
RE: Deliver Holiday Gifts to Referrers in January (Hal Ornstein, DPM)
From: Chuck Ross, DPM
I had, for many years, personally delivered a variety of different gifts baskets to many of the physicians in my community. One day, while at rounds in the hospital, one of my most frequent referring physicians made the following comment: "Chuck, we do appreciate your generosity, but please refrain from future gifts. We refer patients to you because we know they will receive the best care possible and that is all the gift we need."
Since then, my referrals have never changed, and have even increased over the years. This is not meant to discourage others from taking Dr. Ornstein's advice; it's just another side to the story. I always preferred to send treats to the front office staff. They are the real decision influencers.
Chuck Ross, DPM, Pittsfield, MA, cross12@nycap.rr.com
