In a previous blog post, we explored why doctors are increasingly choosing wound care, but once they make the switch, what is the experience like for them? As we examine the lessons our providers learned when transitioning to wound care, we will also share what other providers may expect if they decide to pursue a career in wound care.
A Simple Learning Curve
The transition to wound care has been successful for doctors from all backgrounds, including general practitioners, plastic surgeons, emergency room doctors, and family practitioners. This is because the disciplines needed to succeed in wound care overlap with many other specialties. Additionally, physicians can become experts in wound care through wound care training and continuing education, making it an excellent career option for non-board certified physicians and international medical graduates.
A Deeper Love For Medicine
Many providers are confident that wound care enhances their overall medical experience. The doctor who works in a hospital may only have a few encounters with the patient before surgery. Without sufficient follow-up, providers might not see the true benefits of their efforts.In comparison, let's consider a long-term care facility. In this setting, Providers meet with the same patients week after week. As a result, physicians are able to build meaningful relationships with patients and can take pride in watching wounds heal rapidly week after week.
A Richer Life Outside of Medicine
Many hospital physicians regret sacrificing family time for academic and professional success, particularly when their careers leave little time for anything else. Many report difficulty in making concrete plans or engaging in self-care activities due to their professional demands. In turn, this has a detrimental effect on their relationships with family and friends. So it's no wonder why so many physicians have shifted to wound care. As an example, SWC Providers work normal hours and have weekends free, which removes many barriers that once restricted them from enjoying life outside medicine. The flexibility afforded to them enables them to have a life beyond work, which many in hospital settings are incapable of achieving.
We recently spoke with one of SWC’s top wound care providers who share with us her experiencing transitioning into wound care from general surgery.
By transitioning away from the chaos of hospitals and clinics and into long-term care facilities, doctors can enjoy a wide variety of benefits as wound care providers. Using their skills obtained from previous specialties, they can give back to communities in need while building deeper relationships with patients in an environment that encourages self-improvement and self-care.
For physicians who are frustrated by the constraints of their current careers, wound care might be a good option for you. Interested in learning more? Reach out today!
Skilled Wound Care is a mobile surgical practice committed to transforming the chronic wound care model in nursing facilities. Wound care experts make weekly bedside visits to patients in long-term care facilities, avoiding transfers to hospitals or clinics. Our expert physicians give patients the most up-to-date and effective wound treatments, and educate facility staff on how to help patients continue to heal quickly and effectively between visits. This model of collaborative care allows SWC’s physicians to improve patients’ lives and health outcomes, to empower nursing staff, and to raise public awareness. Skilled Wound Care, along with its nurse and nursing home partners, is working every day to positively transform traditional nursing home wound care.