Page 31 - USAP Connected_WINTER 2017

CINDY
CALDER, MD
USAP-TEXAS
USAP PROVIDER PROFILE
Dr. Cindy Calder
SAFETY IS NOT A CHECKBOX FOR ANY OFUS.WECANBE
DULY PROUD THAT
OUR SPECIALTY HAS PIONEERED MANY OF THE SAFETY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ADOPTED BY THE AIRLINES AND OTHER INDUSTRIES.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY?
I enjoy yoga, cooking, country western dancing, travel and reading. Is this where I add ‘long walks on the beach and good wine?’ I am a certi ed yoga instructor with an interest in therapeutic yoga and a love for inversions. I initially pursued teacher training in yoga to learn more about the discipline and be able to evolve my own personal practice, since we work such odd hours. It has become a passion and a signi cant pathway for personal growth.
WHY ANESTHESIA AS A PROFESSION?
I started out in medicine wanting to heal themassesandsavetheworld.You know, achievable, de nitive goals. I did one anesthesia elective and fell in love. It’s great when your strengths align with your career, but when your weaknesses are assets, it’s a match made in heaven. Being OCD is a requirement for the OR. (Come on, who doesn’t have a way they always line up their syringes?). There are many aspects of anesthesia in which to continually grow and learn. It is a never ending challenge. There is a de ned endpoint with goals accomplished. It is
a team sport with individual e ort. And, nally, the people are just the best.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE PATIENT SAFETY AND CARE IN EVERY CASE EVERY DAY?
Safety is not a checkbox for any of us. We can be duly proud that our specialty has pioneered many of the safety policies
and procedures adopted by the airlines and other industries. But how do we stay focused and fresh on our 20th knee scope, post-call, when we tossed and turned all night and barely got any sleep? If I stay in the patient’s perspective, it’s easy. It’s the rst knee scope for them. Or, the patient that’s on his 18th surgery and got grumpy as soon as he was posted—same technique. He’s clearly out of coping mechanisms and he’s going to need mine, and my help. Every patient’s care is a sacred trust.
WHAT LEGACY WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAVE?
At my retirement party, or when
people are looking at old pictures and remarking on those long gone, I would like it said of me that I always gave each patient my very best e ort. That I was
an excellent clinician. That I took care
of my assignment as well as solving
other people’s problems. That I instilled calm. That I left the practice richer and better than I found it. That I knew how and when to lead, as well as follow. That
I mentored others to discover and reach their potential. But mostly, that I treated everyone I came in contact with—business o ce, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, nurses, surgeons, patients, administration, housekeeping—with respect, kindness and acceptance. ■
ISSUE ONE | CONNECTED