Why Endurance Sports Come Naturally to Ophthalmologists

By M. Kelly Green, MD

This is my own personal theory. I have always believed that physicians and surgeons in particular, are drawn to challenging, almost impossible-seeming, feats at work, as well as outside of work. I was a swim team member and chemistry major at Trinity University. I noted that it was often the other math/science/engineering students who swam the mile-long race or did the 200 meter butterfly— both particularly grueling events. And as I continue to participate in such events as the half-Ironman race, or the 25 km trail run through the wilderness, I continue to find myself surrounded by those who enjoy a significant and extraordinary challenge. As a member of a large training group in Austin, TX, I have been joined by physicians from many specialties: neurosurgery, internal medicine, PM&R, and others. I believe that it is our determination, along with our ability to delay gratification almost indefinitely, which suits us for these longer races.

In order to perform well in the half-Ironman race, I began training more than three months ahead of time. I trained 1.5-4.5 hours per day, depending on the day of the week. Usually, there were only 1-2 days per week during which I was not exercising in some form. I also balanced the workouts with the demands of operating; I did not want to enter the O.R. with extremely sore legs, arms, or shoulders which could impede my ability to operate. I was exhausted and had to head to bed quite early to maintain my performance at work the day after a long workout.

Having a perfect (or near-perfect) endurance race is a lot like having the perfect surgery, or the well-run office. As eye physicians, we prepare for each “race” by studying intently for many years, by learning constantly, and staying current with the very latest in technological advances in order to benefit our patients. An endurance athlete calculates her caloric needs and expenditures precisely so that she may replace these calories perfectly. Doing this will help her avoid feeling weak and thus making her unable to finish the race. Similarly, the ophthalmologist makes precise calculations which will determine the plan for a patient’s vision. I believe that each and every day at the office or in the O.R. is like a race for which we have trained tirelessly, and for which we will continue to train, so that we can offer our patients the best in care.

So, if you haven’t tried an endurance sport, and you would like to see just how well-suited you really are to this activity, then get your running shoes on and take off! You will surely find as much or more satisfaction and challenge out there on the trail, pavement, on the bike, or in the pool as you do at work!