A day in the life… page 4
A day in the life
Time to reflect
We usually finish morning clinic between 2 and 2.30 pm, and finally at this point we can relax. During this time we speak of our projects, work in progress, research programmes and participation in upcoming congresses.
One of the best things about our team is the friendliness and comradeship amongst us. It would be very difficult for somebody who has a different work ethic to mix with us. I therefore select our team members very carefully to make sure that their personality, as well as their skills, matches our team. I can honestly say that we are a nice team, and work is certainly more pleasant if the setting is relaxed.
No rest for the wicked
I begin my private practice in the afternoon, usually at 3.00 pm. My office is not in the hospital, but in an historic building very close to the city's cathedral. By the time I arrive, my secretary and my first patients are usually already there.
My practice is retina-oriented, but it is a general ophthalmology practice. My patient base is much smaller than that in the morning clinic, my working rhythm is far more relaxed and thankfully my patients are usually on time for their appointments.
My working day with patients finally comes to an end at around 7.00 pm but I usually stay in my office at least for another hour to read my e-mails, connect to the web, answer letters, and to organise the administrative aspects of my work.
After these tasks, my working day comes to an end and I can recharge my batteries ready for another day at the clinic to begin!