|
 Jonathan A. Erber, MD
on his father William F. Erber, MD, FACG
The desire to practice medicine came to me as a young child. I had two excellent role models, my grandfather, a Viennese trained internist, as well as my father, a gastroenterologist. My childhood memories are filled with the usual weekends of baseball, birthday parties, and weekend trips to the hospital with my dad. Sometimes I would wait patiently in the car or attending lounge, but on an occasional lucky weekend, I would get the chance to accompany him onto the wards as he would make his rounds. It was at this early age, that he taught me through example, some of the most important lessons in medicine: hard work, availability, and accountability.
Later on in my studies in medical school, the choice to pursue a career in internal medicine and gastroenterology became clear. I have been fortunate enough to have one terrific, inspiring and constant mentor: my dad. He has always displayed such "I have been fortunate enough to have one terrific, inspiring and constant mentor: my dad. He has always displayed such tremendous enjoyment and satisfaction with his practice in gastroenterology. His energy is an inspiration." |
tremendous enjoyment and satisfaction with his practice in gastroenterology. His energy is an inspiration. Not only does he keep himself busy with his practice, he also devotes much of his time towards the teaching and training of medical students, residents and fellows, as well as performing clinical research. His fine example, combined with all the opportunities that GI today presents, made the choice for me clear.
As I now approach the end of my training and prepare to enter into practice with my dad, the opportunities seem endless. It is a tremendous privilege to care for the same patients and families that for decades came to see my grandfather and father. The contrasts that present here are also intriguing. I look forward to blending my style with his, incorporating new ideas and ways: EHR’s replacing dictaphones, e-mails complimenting telephone call-backs, and the development of a practice website to meet the ever-increasing demand of our patients’ desire for more knowledge as they search the internet for the latest in the medical literature. Most importantly, what still remains the same today are those early lessons and examples that I learned from my father, which have truly demonstrated his commitment to his profession and towards my personal and professional development.
Thanks Dad, Happy Father’s Day!
|
