PEDIATRICIAN Spring 2003 - AAP-CA

Retirement should not be dull or
boring. With the increase in the average
life expectancy, more and more
of us can look forward to years of active life
after retirement. If it is not necessary to make
money, the number of choices available is
truly astonishing. Fortunately this is true even
for those with physical limitations. Retired
pediatricians can choose to stay in touch with
their profession. Alternately, this is a time to
pursue some favorite activity which was limited
by time available before retirement. It is
even possible to go back to school and become
educated in an entirely new area. A partial list
of possibilities organized by category follows.
Pediatric Related:
Retirement Options for
Pediatricians
If a retired pediatrician is located in an area
with access to a medical school or training
program, there are opportunities for teaching.
Many programs use practicing or retired pediatricians
as voluntary faculty. This involves
making rounds on wards or supervising students
and residents in clinics for assigned periods.
Selection of a clinic in a particular area in
which the physician can indulge a long standing
interest can be very rewarding. Malpractice
insurance for the faculty is covered by the
medical school or hospital in most instances.
Contact can be made with the Chairman of the
Pediatric Department or the Chief of the Resident
Training Program.
Most medical schools have a mentor program
for students usually starting in the first
or second year. Students are assigned to physicians
in areas of specialty which they choose.
Practicing physicians are particularly desirable
as having different experiences from faculty.
Mentoring can take minimal or more time
depending on the number of students and the
interpersonal chemistry involved. Information
can be obtained from the Student Affairs Office
of the medical school.
Many communities have free clinics for
families without health care coverage. These
can be sponsored by religious organizations,
schools or community organizations. It is possible
to cover a specific time for a specified
period. Malpractice insurance can be a problem
for retired physicians and this should be
investigated before making a commitment.
Joan E. Hodgman, M.D.
American Academy of Pediatrics:
Each Academy Chapter has a number of
committees chaired and manned by volunteer
members. The number and level of activity
depend largely on the interests of the chapter
members. Areas that are particularly active
include legislation, access to care, reimbursement,
membership, violence and accident prevention,
school health and international health.
Participation is actively encouraged and well
received. It is possible for a member with a
special interest to develop a task force to work
on that issue. Each chapter has staff available
to assist with meeting notices, agendas and
minutes. California District IX has an active
State Government Affairs committee with representatives
from each chapter who have been
appointed because of their interest.
Educational:
Schools are encouraging older individuals to
become students again. After retirement is an
optimal time to return to school and study a
subject just for pleasure. Local community colleges
have little or no tuition and a full curriculum
of courses, including cultural subjects such
as music appreciation and art history, courses
in foreign languages, drawing and sculpture are
available, as well as computers. Taking a shop
course is a great opportunity for a woman of
a certain age to learn how to take care of the
upkeep of her house, something she was not
taught in her youth.
Hobbies:
Retirement is a time to seriously indulge a
hobby. Gardening, Bridge, physical activities
such as tennis, swimming and running are all
available at community centers. There are
competitions organized by age group for many
of the activities particularly swimming, tennis
and rowing. Access can be through a community
senior center. Many communities have
amateur performance groups where an individual
can indulge a taste for singing, dancing
or acting. This is also a time to polish skills in
playing a musical instrument or learn to play a
new one. And, one is never too old for golf.
Community Service:
The potential here is mind-boggling. All museums
have docents who are regularly educated
in the specialties of the museum and then
volunteer to conduct tours for members and
guests, including children’s groups. Big Brothers
and Big Sisters are represented in many
communities. Retired pediatricians make
particularly knowledgeable candidates to support
a disadvantaged child. Communities have
appointed committees to advise the officials in
specific areas such as cultural affairs, population
growth, property density among others.
Interest in community affairs could lead to
entering politics as a member of the school
board or city council.
The above suggestions are only the tip of
the iceberg. California Pediatrician would like
to hear from readers with their own experiences
to share. These should be sent to the
author by e-mail, FAX or snail mail.
Joan E. Hodgman, M.D.
494 Stanford Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007
(323) 226-3440 FAX
hodgman@hsc.usc.edu
SED CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29
the SED referrals and billing processes and
HFP updates. A copy of the binder can be
obtained at www. cimh.org.
Since PCPs play an important role in providing
and coordinating care for their patients,
PCPs can have a positive impact on access to
appropriate treatment for SED services. Early
detection and treatment of SED can restore
the functioning of children with mental health
disorders. Active teamwork between PCPs in
private health programs and county mental
health coordinators can help to assure the
best outcomes of access to care and improve
the lives of SED children. Toward this end,
pediatricians and other providers who serve
HFP enrollees are encouraged to refer children
who present signs and symptoms of serious
emotional disturbances to county mental health
programs for SED evaluation and treatment.
REFERENCES
1. Burns, et al. (1995) & Shaffer, et al. (1996).
The Surgeon General’s Conference Children’s
Mental Health September 18 & 19,
2000 – The Conference Summary
2. Cooper-Patrick et al. (1999). U.S. Department
of Health & Human Services (2001).
A Supplement to Mental Health: A Report of
the Surgeon General. The Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration
(SAMAHA) Report.
CALIFORNIA PEDIATRICIAN — SPRING 2003/ 31