How I Spent My Summer Vacation

As many of you know, I am a voracious reader, both of dermatology literature and non-work-related writings (entertainment and informative in other areas).  More and more articles appearing in our physician related literature are focusing on physician burnout.  Apparently, we are dropping like flies to excessive workloads, government hassle, corporate takeovers, and threats from lawsuits and fines for non-compliance with regulations. Fortunately, Dermatology remains one of the fields where physicians still rate themselves as overall happy with their chosen profession.  I count myself in that happy group. That is not to say we are not assaulted with all the aforementioned plagues, there is PLENTY of aggravation with insurance, trying to get people the right medication at a decent price, and frustration of wasted time and money for bureaucratic nonsense. The solutions offered by the wise people writing on this subject to protect against burnout include anything from yoga and mindfulness/ spirituality, to having outside hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and taking vacations. SO, I took that advice and took a vacation to lands far off. (I do all the other things on a regular basis).

Here is my report on how I spent my summer vacation:

There are few things as comforting for me as seeing the name “LOWRY” handwritten on a piece of cardboard, being held aloft in a crowd as you drag your luggage from the baggage areas of a foreign airport.   Whisked into a car by our driver Eduardo, he skillfully negotiated the roads of Florence, Italy, towards the rolling green hills of Tuscany, and fields of sunflowers turning their black brown eyes to the beckoning sun. Despite all the glories of traveling, the food, the landscape, the disconnect from one’s everyday life, my husband and I most enjoy the simple conversations with the people we encounter.  Eduardo was happy to be serving us, and it seemed genuine. He was proud of his job, but also filled us in on how the young people were dealing with the economy in various areas of the country, and how he would love someday to go to San Francisco.  When we arrived at our destination, we were met personally by David, the proprietor of a wonderful “hotel”.  I use the quotation marks as it is really the family home (for many generations), that he now runs for his mother (and her cat).  He glows with pride as he shows us to our accommodations, which is a prized room here. One would never know it was (over a hundred years ago) the stone encampment for the pigs that were kept on the property, as indicated by the painted pig on the ceramic tile fastened to the wall. At first, I wasn’t certain if this was a tongue in cheek way of “welcoming” unwanted Americans, but it was clear after opening the door to the upgraded structure, that it was not. The place was beautiful, and soon David was surrounded by a flurry of staff pouring champagne and welcoming us.  We would see the same staff, and David, morning, noon, and night, working tirelessly and always smiling and always happy to talk with us. They are thankful for their work. Many of them have extensive educations, including engineering and archeology. They work hard during the high season, and then move to other jobs during the winter. They tell stories of fleeing war-torn Serbia and other countries as children, looking for a better life. They all would like to visit America someday, especially San Francisco. This theme, of seeing people in service working these hours, and telling these stories continued throughout our adventures in Italy and in Greece.  Greece was particularly heart wrenching, as many of them were from Athens which suffered deadly fires. They worked through the fear and the anguish of waiting to hear of loved one’s status. As we departed each place, it was more the memories of these amazing people than the glorious locations, that I carried with me.

Now, on my final day of this wonderful break, I feel refreshed and renewed.  The spirit of service, and what it means to serve others, was, I think, the message sent to rejuvenate my spirit. Although I know that tomorrow will bring the same bureaucratic and administrative headaches as previously encountered, I am surrounded by amazing staff that have been with me (and you) for years, and truly understand what service means.  In August, we will be closing the office for a few days, as I whisk these great people off to Miami, for a retreat and a “thank you” for their many years of service. Many of us have been on the receiving end of our medical systems frustrations as patients, adding an additional layer of understanding.  We work hard to give you the personal service that we all want as human beings.  We carry with us your triumphs and share your anguish, not just with your medical conditions, but through all the trials and tribulations of your non-medical life as well. It is my greatest privilege to serve you. We are excited and thankful that YOU are with us, and happy to be “at your service”.

Warmest Regards,
Lisa Lowry