Community Connection
Hi again!
The past few weeks have been busy. I worked a few shifts, but mainly, I have been looking into opportunities to volunteer in the community. Tomorrow, assuming there’s not a snow day (I shouldn’t be surprised by Denver weather after 6 years, but I am), I will be at the Aurora Hills Middle School job fair to talk about my path through medical school and training. Almost every pediatrician will say that the best part of their job is working with children, and I agree. I am excited to visit and hopefully inspire some of the next generation of physicians. Aspirational, I know. But hey, why not dream big?
I am also working on some more volunteer opportunities at Children’s Hospital Colorado, The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NCSD) and potentially even at summer camps for children with medical conditions. It has been great reconnecting with why I became a pediatrician in the first place. In the grind of medical education, it’s easy to lose sight of these things. Having more free time and flexibility in my schedule has been a blessing, and one I don’t plan to waste.
Clinical medicine is still important to me, and I don’t plan to give it up any time soon. After all, it was a massive investment of time and money, and I do love it. But, I’ve also spent a lot time thinking about my life outside of providing patient care. As of now, I still don’t have a permanent position. If you’re looking for that, I’m sorry to disappoint. I will make sure to send an update as soon as I have one.
— Dr. Jack Szigety, MD aka Doctor Spaghetti
Back in the Office
Hello to all 4 people reading this blog (hi Mom!). It’s been a busy few weeks, and I have spent them setting up ways to keep my clinical skills sharp. I renewed my NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certifications and scheduled myself at a bunch of pediatric offices who need a “substitute doctor” as I plan to introduce myself to families. Tomorrow, I pick up my first shift as a Locum Tenens physician in the Denver metro area. I spent part of this evening precharting. Precharting (where I spend my free time on the electronic health record reading about patients from home because I have no work-life balance) allows me to feel as prepared as possible to give the highest quality care that I can to my patients and their families. I am excited to get back in the clinic and provide medical care for children. If you care, you can find where I will be on the “Where to Find Me” page on this website. I don’t expect people to chase me around various clinics, but want that information to be available to my patients if it’s of any use. I hope my time seeing various practices as Locum Tenens physician will allow me to find an office where I can provide the highest quality care possible in a way that’s aligned with how I want to practice medicine. It’s a lofty goal, but I believe an attainable one. Please feel free to follow along with me on this journey. Who knows where it will take us. If you are along for the ride, I apologize in advance for the poorly worded stream of consciousness. I’ve never considered myself much of a writer.
Cheers,
Dr. Jack Szigety, MD aka Dr. Spaghetti
Starting Fresh
Hello world! I’m not sure if this will work, but here goes nothing. I recently left a position at a general pediatrics office last month, and am going out on my own. For the time being, I will be working as Locum Tenens physician, which means I will be filling in at various clinics/hospitals that need a pediatrician. It’s all in flux right now, which is nerve-racking but exciting. While I can’t predict or control the future, I know that putting high-quality and compassionate patient care as my “North Star” will keep me oriented. To reach out to me, please use the “Contact Me” page below (or click that link), and to see where I will be going, use the “Where to Find Me” page.
Until next time!
Dr. Jack Szigety, MD aka Doctor Spaghetti
According to the internet, this is a picture of the North Star.
I choose to believe that that’s true.