Jobs for surgeons with no call

[Curegirl]

DD, you'd be a fabulous counselor! We need to get you a cape of some sort...

[spotty_dog]

You mentioned elsewhere that you have a multi million dollar net worth. I bet if you did some math he could walk away from working, or at least lay in a five year plan to step down and just be a farmer or a ranger until the kids move on and leave the nest so you can do your mission work. Even having a plan should be a stress reliever.

[poky]

He offered to put him on anti-depressants but obviously he can't operate or be on call and take those....

I'm confused by this. Why not?

[bokelley]

Hell I want 9-5 hours.

[diggitydot]

I'm confused by this. Why not?

Same here. Lots of docs do both on antidepressants.

[Sheherezade]

My husband offered up breast surgery (breast cancer) as an option. He says that you are still on call for your own patients, though. It's a very specialized little division - and I guess the people he knows in it have good schedules, no call.

Academics do provide relief with the first line of call going to residents -- you end up answering lots of phone calls from residents and fellows all night, but don't have to go in overnight so often unless you have to take someone to the OR.

I do know docs that have gone back to a fellowship to retrain in to something new because they just couldn't continue in the field they were in.

I like spotty's idea though; you've been so frugal and careful, it may just pay off for you sooner than you'd think.

[houseelf]

Could he go part time or 3/4 time?

[Meenah]

In my experience (only one hospital in the NE) when a surgeon stops taking call the referrals dry up pretty quickly. Here no call = perception of retirement. We are in a large area, so it may be different in a rural area.

[spaz]

nt

[Deebs]

If you can afford to walk away, I don't understand why the kids are an issue. If he's this burnt out and you can afford for your DrH to retire, what is holding you back?

[spaz]

nt

[spaz]

nt

[Deebs]

Well, my DH wouldn't take cold meds and work, either, and he follows airline guidelines of 12 hours between last sip of alcohol and a shift, but he does take Ritalin before some shifts (he has ADHD). I don't know whether or not we know any surgeons on antidepressants, but there are some antidepressants and anti anxiety meds DH won't let his paramedics take and be able to work. There are some he does allow. Has your DH sought counseling? I know you said its difficult in your small town, but it sounds like he (and/or you) might benefit from it, even if it has to be phone based. It seems you are at a tough stage and could use help sorting things out, and determining your future direction.

[Pollyanna]

It seems you are at a tough stage and could use help sorting things out, and determining your future direction.

Yes this!

I don't know how you could do surgery without taking call, just doesn't seem possible unless he could find some sort of consult only niche.

[poky]

Well, my DH wouldn't take cold meds and work, either, and he follows airline guidelines of 12 hours between last sip of alcohol and a shift, but he does take Ritalin before some shifts (he has ADHD). I don't know whether or not we know any surgeons on antidepressants, but there are some antidepressants and anti anxiety meds DH won't let his paramedics take and be able to work. There are some he does allow. Has your DH sought counseling? I know you said its difficult in your small town, but it sounds like he (and/or you) might benefit from it, even if it has to be phone based. It seems you are at a tough stage and could use help sorting things out, and determining your future direction.

Yeah, cold meds and (most) antidepressants are completely different things, in how they affect performance/attention/focus. I'd be curious what the criteria/guidelines are that your DH uses for his paramedics, Deebs.