'Jungle' survival guideBook offers prescription for newcomers to medicineLENI REISS
|
 Dr. Michael Steingard of Phoenix (seen here with daughter Leia) is the author of a how-to book to help medical students avoid educational pitfalls. Photo courtesy of Michael Steingard |
Valley-based orthopedic surgeon Michael Steingard says his self-published book, a compilation of notes and references accumulated over several years, combined with some of his own frustrations in the practice of medicine, was "bursting to get out."
"There is so much I wanted to impart, to share with men and women entering the field, to get them off on the right foot," he explains, adding that he believes this practical guide will be educational as well for lay readers, providing insight by an insider into the profession and its practitioners.
For example, in a chapter titled "The Makings of a Great Doctor," Steingard writes, "No amount of classes you take or books you read will teach you the art of identifying with each individual as if he/she were the most important thing in the world to you."
It is becoming increasingly difficult, Steingard asserts, for physicians to serve as advocates for patients, "because we are bogged down with the regulations, rules and paper work that come with managed care," or, as he says with a rueful grin, "unmanaged care."
He encourages newcomers to the field to work toward "putting heart back into the system." There is no longer "an automatic great lifestyle" that comes with the title of doctor, he says, so students should enter the profession not only for financial benefits but with commitment and idealism.
To that end, he deals in other chapters with issues such as how to determine the residency you are best suited for, how to pick clinical rotations and how to survive the managed care environment. There also are sections with examples of correspondence from insurance companies to doctors; specific guidelines for externs, interns and residents; and an extensive listing of "pearls" (of wisdom) that students "simply cannot live without." These include, for example:
ù Always honor your resident physician, even if the resident does not honor you. Do not give the resident an excuse not to like you.
ù Carry cheap pens so if someone asks to borrow one, you don't have to ask for it back.
ù An easy way to find out the scoop on a patient is to ask the nurse.
ù Make it a habit to call patients older than you "Mr." or "Mrs."
ù Be a student of medicine your entire life.
Steingard had an early entree into the world of medicine, growing up as he did in a household where his father, Dr. Paul Steingard, was for many years the team doctor for the Phoenix Suns. His mother, Lynn, serves as comptroller for her husband's practice. Michael and one brother both are physicians in local practice; a sister is an executive with an animation studio in Los Angeles; and another brother is an L.A.-based attorney.
Steingard dedicates the book to his wife and "guiding light," Livia. He makes the point that family ties are dear to his heart. He not only extols them
To obtain copies of "How to Survive Your Clinical Rotations" ($19.95, plus tax and shipping charges), call 249-1033 or order via the Web at www.steingardortho.com.
