Lancaster Physician Spring 2020 - 23

SPRING 2020

Retirement Reflections from Two
Retired Members of LCCMS
Jerry Rothacker, Jr., MD
I have been retired from the active practice of orthopedic
surgery for almost three and a half years. It has been a
very successful retirement, and I am now one of those
jerks who say, "I don't know how I got everything done
when I was working!" I have known a few docs who
have not enjoyed their retirement; they either went back
to work or just got depressed. I offer a few reflections on my success to
help others make the transition.

Consider joining a physical fitness center.
3. Practice good eating habits. Cut back on your salt and sugared
products, especially sugared drinks, and avoid processed and "junk"
food. Avoid alcohol. If you can't, consume no more than one drink in
any one day. Decrease your meat consumption. Fish is good, and eat
plenty of vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts. It goes without saying,
if you still smoke, STOP. Do whatever it takes to stop.
4. Volunteer in organizations that are meaningful to you, such as
museums or religious groups. Stay involved in civic groups if you can.

5. Engage in activities that promote good health such as golf, tennis,
1. It is nice to ease into it. If your work agreement allows it, slow down or the like.
over a few years, gradually having more time off.
6. Go to the theatre and listen to music that is nurturing. If you play
2. Unless you are lucky enough to have a pension, your income falls an instrument or wish to learn to play an instrument, do it. Music is
to social security and whatever you draw from a 401(k) or IRA. After good for the soul.
years of contributing to these plans, it is a bit scary to start taking out
money from them. A good financial advisor and plan can give you the 7. Take up meditation, if you haven't already.
reassurance needed to enjoy retired life.
8. Pray every day. If you don't think that is useful, at least practice good
3. Carve out some private space at home, especially if your spouse is also and loving thoughts, especially about your loved ones.
at home. Retirement bliss can be short lived if you invade your spouse's
space and activities uninvited. When you're told to be out of the house on 9. Consider writing a novel or your memoir.
Monday afternoon from 1 -3:30 p.m., it's probably a good idea to listen!
10. Get involved with discussion groups that nurture your mind
4. Although you may not have to routinely set the alarm clock anymore, and your soul.
it is good to fill your days with activity. For me, it has been participating
in more musical activities; I'm in four groups currently. Also, I volunteer Remember people need people. You might want to get together
at the Edward Hand Medical Museum where I serve as Treasurer and with people and friends who enjoy playing card or board games.
continue to socialize with my medical colleagues. There are many church Or, if that doesn't quite match your interests, just be with people to
committees I'm involved with, and I can now play golf on weekdays engage in conversation.
with other retired guys. There are also many places to meet friends for
lunch and always opportunities for volunteer medical mission work Here is something from Sir William Osler that I incorporate in my
locally and abroad.
prayer life: "If yesterday was but a dream and tomorrow is only a
vision, then living each day in helping and loving others, then every
The last Thursday of each month is very special to me because that is yesterday can become a day of happiness and every tomorrow will
the breakfast morning at Oregon Dairy with the GRUMPS, gratefully become a day of hope."
retired unemployed medical physicians and surgeons. It's a good breakfast
and an hour of reminiscing about how hard we worked, but also we
talk about how much fun we had in the good old days!

"Looking to grow your
business? Connect with
our engaged, communityminded readers."

Nikitas Zervanos, MD
If you like what you are doing, don't retire. Perhaps, you can cut back on your hours instead. If
you do retire or partially retire, keep busy. What
follows are some suggestions:

Sherry Bolinger
Regional Media Sales Executive
sherry@@hoffpubs.com
717-979-2858

1. Reading and writing are good ways to keep your mind active and find
meaning. That means don't watch too much television.
2. Above all, exercise, and if your health is compromised, do what you
can. At the very least, walk every day for a minimum of a half hour.

LANCASTER

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Lancaster Physician Spring 2020

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