Being a Doctor

February 2026 | Vol. 70, No. 1
By Barry Getzoff, DO, PCOM '60

Once we have completed our certifications and additional training, we open a practice—either by joining one or starting our own solo practice. What happens after that is subject to how you interpret being a doctor. No one tells you what to do or how to approach a patient or what to say in the examining room. I found a few things that have been helpful and have led to a successful practice. One of them is to be a good listener and absorb as much as you can of what the person is saying while trying not to be distracted by Notes or a computer. The other thing I found is that you need to be a patient advocate in this day and age with insurance issues, they’re always problems getting things certified, and it’s helpful if you go to bat for your patient. That is always appreciated. I’ve always tried to look professional, and I always get compliments from patients on my attire. That is extremely helpful in gaining patient confidence. Lastly, it’s very important to be current in your specialty, and it is very helpful in the examining room when patients ask appropriate questions that you are able to give them an answer in real time. I hope this information is helpful.