Offcall Physician Spotlight: Meet Dr. Michael Farbowitz

Offcall Team

This physician spotlight was published in partnership with GPOphtho, a group purchasing organization with no membership fees. All physicians are welcome along with their staff to benefit from the discounts on the extensive list of services and products offered on the GPOphtho website: GPOphtho.com.

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1. Michael, what would you tell a first-year resident that no one told you but should have?

1) "The enemy of good is perfect."
2) In a surgeon-patient relationship, it would be nice if both parties are happy, but if only one is going to be happy, it should be the patient.

Some of my most satisfying encounters have been with patients who may not have had a perfect outcome but who are nonetheless happy and grateful. Conversely, some of my most frustrating patients are those who had a perfect outcome, yet remain unsatisfied, often for reasons completely unrelated to their surgery.

2. What's the biggest workflow hack that’s made your life easier and saved you time?

The best change I have incorporated into my personal practice is the use of a dedicated, experienced scribe. I have one of my best techs shadow me and do all of my charting and patient education for me. With the increased use of electronic medical records, I found myself charting and doing paperwork with my back to my patient. Utilizing a scribe, I can return to meaningful face-to-face interactions with my patients, while becoming more efficient. I couldn't imagine seeing patients without a scribe.

3. What’s the hardest part about being a physician that you think should be talked about more openly?

Physician burnout is real. There are increasing financial pressures of being in private practice, and the continued devaluation of the excellent surgical care that we provide is very demoralizing. While it is recognized and talked about by experts, I don't hear too many doctors openly discussing their struggles with burnout.

4. What’s a health hack/routine you do that could benefit other doctors or your patients?

Morning exercise before office hours adds energy to the day. Meditation also sets the tone for the day. I practice gratitude and being present. Being present helps me focus on the patient in front of me when I have a waiting room full of patients. Yoga and core strength training are important in improving career longevity as a surgeon.