Q: Why did you decide to become a doctor?
A: It offered an opportunity for intellectual challenge. It offered me a very diverse career: you have the opportunity to do administrative work, to take care of patients, perform surgery. It allows you to be your own person.
Q: What was your biggest surprise when you started practicing medicine?
A: This is an awesome responsibility. It strikes me when patients give me the ability to take care of them that what I do is life-changing for the patient. Patients will take your advice in a very, very serious way. It’s a privilege to take care of them; you literally have someone’s life in your hands. At the same time, the patient is your friend. It’s a human being interacting with another human being, one person trying to help another.
Q: What once piece of advice would you give someone studying medicine?
A: Follow the fundamentals of what you are taught; they will serve you well. When we vary from the fundamentals, that is when we cut corners. Be honest and forthright with patients—let them know what the whole story is.
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Q: Where do you see your field in 10 years?
A: I can see things growing. Patient care is improving, patient safety is improving, the overall quality of medicine has improved. There is more consistency in the care we provide. I see a continuation of this improvement in quality and cost containment. I think electronic medical records are going to become easier to use. I think they will eventually increase efficiency. It’s getting better.
For more information, clips or to schedule an appointment, visit Dr. Cash's website.
