What I Am Thankful For

I realize this post comes a little late, but in my post-Thanksgiving haze, I decided to share with you some of the practice-related things I am grateful for.

I am thankful for the freedom to decide when and how hard I need to work. To a degree. Naturally, if I want the practice to be profitable, I need to work darn hard. But that’s a relative term. On Friday, while I did rounds kids-in-tow, another doc jokingly asked me, “What? Your boss wouldn’t let you have a day off today?”

I am thankful for a once-receptionist, now front-office supervisor with a great work ethic and an equally great personality.

I am thankful for two new staff members who are eager and quick to learn, and who get along well with everyone in the office.

I am thankful for my new associate, who has actually volunteered to do rounds next week even though technically she is not on call.

I am thankful for my upcoming vacation (thanks to above-mentioned associate).

I am thankful for an EMR, that although not perfect, makes working from home and (shudder) vacation possible.

I am thankful for a very motivated biller. Okay, so he’s my husband and therefore has a vested interest.

I am thankful for my patients. They are why I am here.

I am thankful for my referring physicians. Word of mouth is great, but it’s better if that mouth belongs to a physician.

And I am thankful to Physicans Practice and you, dear reader. Blogging is a nice distraction, an outlet. My therapy, if you will. And I appreciate the comments, the suggestions, the reassurances, that I am not alone in this crazy career.

I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I’d better get back to work. I am hoping my boss gives me a holiday bonus this year.