Reaching the goal of becoming a medical professional entails a multitude of transitions. It’s a process. In my case, the first two decades were filled with uncertainty about the viability of becoming a physician. Convinced that I actually could reach that goal, I committed myself to focusing on acquiring the necessary education and certifications. Reaching the goals I had set for myself dragged on for what seemed like an eternity at the time, but of course now seems like it was yesterday. Afterwards, I spent several decades performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for STEMIs morning, noon and night in private practice. In that environment, I learned lessons on managing patients and juggling schedules. I also learned how to keep things in perspective, including remembering to pick up my son from the daycare facility by 5:59 p.m. to avoid the $20 penalty for being late.
Interventionalists are guided by the thrill and excitement of providing care for a very sick population. At the same time, the thrill can be diminished when it spills over into your family life. After many few sleepless nights and more grey hair, I decided that the time had come for a change. Fortunately for me, the change came with my transition to this grand place called UMMC, a place of academic medicine where skills are shared with colleagues and trainees. Collaborations with colleagues is welcomed and even encouraged here.
As a teacher in the UMMC residency program for the past 11.75 years, I have had the opportunity to polish my own skills while teaching students and collaborating with colleagues. Retirement is not an option for me at this point. I am far from being ready for the couch and TV. On the other hand, I acknowledge that, for personal reasons, it is time for me to transition to my hometown of Biloxi on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I have been blessed with good health and can walk up six flights of stairs, compared to many of my residents who take the elevators. I have the energy and resolve to continue working in the field of medicine. (By the way, I do allow the house officer the opportunity to present the H&P while I catch my breath.)
For those who continue the practice of medicine, I offer these brief reminders:
- Life is short: therefore, do your best daily.
- Treat patients with the compassion you would give a child or parent. Remember your child (patient) can throw tantrums sometimes, but we forgive our children. Forgiving adults who have “gotten on our last nerve” is also the right thing to do.
- Nothing replaces the human touch. Examine your patient(s)!
- Be careful with abbreviations:
- MS for multiple sclerosis or mitral stenosis
- PE for pulmonary embolism or pericardial effusion
- PTL for premature labor or Praise the Lord
- ED for Emergency Department or Erectile Dysfunction
- AI for Adrenal Insufficiency, Aortic Insufficiency or Artificial Intelligence
- We want to keep our natural intelligence that we study to maintain.
- Treat others as you want to be treated.
- Diversity, inclusion, and equity are the ingredients for a great Department of Medicine.
As I set my sight on a “different road” at this time, I want everyone to know that I have enjoyed being on this team of pre-med/medical professionals. Although teams sometimes go through growing pains, the result is a more perfect product. I have grown exponentially during my time at UMMC. I am not leaving the field of medicine and will likely see you all at local and national meetings. I may also see you all in the middle of the night on facetime to read an ECG or answer a pregnancy or heart disease question.
My colleague Dr. Ervin Fox says, “I don’t know how I will stand it without you, when I could hardly stand you being here😊.”
I really want to thank the nurses, nurse managers, and medical assistants who helped guide my footsteps in the clinic. The entire division of cardiology functions as a family, even if we disagree sometimes.
See Ya! Merry Christmas! Remember the reason for the season!
-Myrna
Dr. Myrna Alexander Nickens is a Professor of Cardiology and the Vice Chair for Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Medicine.
Progress Notes 