During different stages of my medical career, I've been described by mentors and professors that I've worked with as "novel", "eccentric", and an "out-of-the-box thinker". I used to take these random assessments at face value. I used to think that maybe these people understood my curiosity, appreciated my inquisitiveness, and applauded my efforts to turn every clinical question into an intellectual exercise. Now though, as I've risen through the medical ranks and have become myself a student and resident advisor, an interviewer, and a character evaluator, I've come to realize that all those eclectic words were just the professionally polite way of saying that I'm a weird guy.
Okay, okay, I get it. I'm not someone who likes to abide by convention. I'm not someone who likes to sit around and have someone tell me how I should listen, talk, and interact with my patients. People are more complicated than that. Science is constantly evolving. Practice guidelines and clinical dogma devised years and decades ago are often not applicable today. So what if I'm going to spend my office time talking about Glee and Isaac Newton and New Year's Resolutions instead of running down a laundry list of the complications of obesity and PCOS for Amy and her mom? You sure are never going to find that kind of clinical practice or interviewing skill covered in any peer reviewed scientific journal. And I dare say that my method of delivering care, however eccentric, may actually be more effective too!
Lately though, I've noticed my penchant for novelty and passion for change escaping and reflecting in my running and blogging. Not that I'm complaining, mind you. You guys may have already seen instances of that by my subscription to twitter and the dailymile last week, and my utilization of an entirely different approach to marathon preparation as detailed in my NJM training plan. What you probably don't know is that I've totally revamped my training log to de-emphasize mileage and focus on heart rate and pacing. I'm also doing workouts that I've traditionally sworn off before (like specific hill training and Yasso 800s). I have also started writing up a daily assessment of my runs in relation to goals and objectives I have for that particular. (I will start posting them on the sidebar for those interested in following along.) In terms of blogging, I also noticed that I run faster and better after writing posts (which I've found is unanimously frowned upon by my twittering friends) and sometimes, just thinking of what I'm going to write while I'm running freaks me out and causes my heart rate to rise uncontrollably. (Yeah, I can't explain it either!)
So the secret is out - I'm a weird and eclectic guy - as a doctor, as a runner, and as a blogger! At least I'm consistently freaky in all parts of life. Right? Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is entirely up to you!
21 comments:
i think you're a pretty awesome guy, as a runner and a blogger (and a doctor, I'm sure) Who wants to be "normal" anyway. you rock :)
However people want to describe you, it doesn't matter. You are a an amazing person and an amazing doctor!
I didn't know you were on twitter!!
Oh, but weird and eclectic is fun! Conformism is boring.
And all the talk about Glee, etc, is building up the patient-doctor relationship making patients feel they are more than a diabetes or obesity case.
Whatever. All runners, especially marathoners are weirdos. I think it's a great thing. If everyone was the same it would be so boring.
Also you are good weird not freaky weird!
Deep down, I think we all are a little weird. :) I know I am! Never take it as a negative
Whatever.....I just happen to like eccentric, along with that usually comes a higher level of intelligence! Anyway, lets talk about this whole twitter thing that you have going on. So, if you say that you run faster and perform better after writing blog posts...then perhaps you should not twitter as much and go to the thing that makes you run like an amazing speedster:) You could post a little more...include a little poetry for your loyal followers! I am just saying...if it is going to help you out....
I hope you have an awesome day Lam!! Are you smiling..just a little? Good!
haha you are funny - makes your heart rate rise? everyone has their own quirks - its what makes them who they are right?!
Frankly, I think we are in dire need of more out of the box thinking docs--and people in general!
You've just highlighted the very reasons why we all love you Lam! :)
Keep on running, blogging and inspiring!
All thise make a person that much cooler in my book :) Weirdness is a good thing. Life (and blog posts) would definitely not be as interesting!
Definitely a good thing man! Better to be those qualities than normal... which would be boring! Great post!
i definitely don't think youre weird. does that make me weird too?! quirks are what makes people interesting. boring isn't fun
Outside the box is where all the cool people are :)
you are soooo weird and totally not normal ;) and that's why you rock!!
first off, i think all people who run marathons are a little weird. but, anyway, eccentric is way more fun, exciting, and wonderful than normal.
i pride myself on the fact that i'm not "normal" and little (or a lot) quirky.
My non-running friends think of me and other runners as eccentric. Without eccentricity, the world would be a boring place!
"And I dare say that my method of delivering care, however eccentric, may actually be more effective too!"
Yes, dare to say it because my bet would be that it is true.
Go eccentricity!
I have to say that I like the weirdness. :)
be who you are! everyone's allowed to have their own version of crazy!
I would take being called eccentric as a compliment. Keeps life interesting :)
Hi Lam,
I just wanted to wish you good luck with your race tomorrow!! Run fast and kick some butt:)
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