“As we think about our future, we recognize the value of hard work and continual labor to become the best otolaryngologists that we can be,” he said. “As we strive to offer the best patient care, we recognize that despite some of our best efforts, our patients will succumb to their diseases. However, we will be there to comfort and provide care to their families in times of need.”
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May 2012Succession
An integral part of one’s legacy involves establishing a path for succession, Dr. Ossoff said. “A great deal of our time is spent teaching nurses, allied health professionals, residents and fellows. To successfully mentor someone, it is essential to understand what their aspirations are and support their path in the future.” For example, if a younger physician were interested in an academic career, it would be important to provide advice on conducting research and getting published.
He said it’s also important to establish a path for younger doctors by which they can transition to positions of leadership. Otolaryngologists can do this by sending younger faculty members to hospital meetings or by nominating residents and fellows for society positions, he said.
“Leadership, legacy and succession share one common attribute in that they mean realizing that it is no longer about you but much more about those around you…becoming successful by observing those values they observed from you as a doctor,” Dr. Ossoff said.
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