Decisions and elevators

[摘要] Starting my first practice in South Africa, I had to convince a bank manager that, besides the debt incurred over 7 years at medical school (all paid by myself and my hard-working wife), I was creditworthy for a bond to purchase a house, part of which I converted to a medical practice. Quickly learned plastering and painting: no money for contractors. All our income depended on patients deciding to come to me. So, I had to deliver the goods. On reputation, the practice grew until, within 6 months, I could hire a part-time receptionist and within a year could employ two working shifts. When we had about 3000 ‘regulars’ my wife could stop working for ‘charity’. Of course I was on call 24/7, working up to 14 hours a day, but this eventually paid the debts. I knew if I made one mistake or let down my guard one moment, my patients would simply go to another doctor next time. So, I had to keep abreast of developments.

[学科分类] 卫生学