Harry Agress, Jr., MD | ARRS Emeritus Member
Author, Next Years Best Years—Taking Your Retirement to the Next Level
Retirement is one of the most unique, fulfilling, and exhilarating opportunities we will ever experience. Yes, I know, some of you may find that hard to believe. So did I, as I saw this major life transition sneaking up over the horizon and then, certainly, as I started to actually live it 10 years ago.
Why wouldn’t this be a major concern, a challenge, a mystery. We’ve been working at medicine and radiology for decades—at least since college or before (most of us finished our education/training in 22nd grade). Only a few vocations require this degree of involvement, so seeing it change or end can be a major shock. But have faith—there is more than hope down the line.
The first big question: “Is it time for me to retire?” There are many factors that determine when we decide, as they say, to put down the stethoscope (that is a piece of instrumentation used before an MRI or PET/CT is ordered). It is deeply personal, involving the interplay of fulfillment, health, finance, stress, and one’s specific life circumstances. Many ask, “What am I going to do in this vast new space?,” “What will give me a sense of purpose?,” and “Will I be able to create new personal connections?”
The good news is that, as radiologists, we are curious, self-motivated, goal-oriented, and like to learn. Whether you are simply contemplating retirement or are well into it (but need a fresh look at who you are and where you wish to be), one approach to retirement (which I prefer to call “rewirement”) is to ask a few questions, such as:
- “What gives me satisfaction?”—for me; learning, teaching, being creative and productive
- “What am I willing to try (new or reconnecting)?” e.g., writing, volunteering, acting classes, and improving my photography
Unlike prior generations, our next phase will be a more dynamic and fluid process as it may last a quarter of a lifetime. Therefore, self-awareness becomes extremely important in order to have a truly fulfilling and joyful experience,
Several things can make our retirement easier. The first is our “Experienced Brain.” We have learned a great deal about medicine, radiology, and life. It is a wonderful thing to pass this knowledge on to residents or medical students. I have loved voluntarily sharing what I have learned with radiology residents because it makes me stay informed and allows me to be engaged with a younger generation. You may want to teach in a totally different field, bringing to mind one physician who became a grade school teacher.
Another big advantage: If you don’t want to give up imaging entirely, there is always teleradiology, especially if you can set your own level of commitment. As this is still isolating, I would recommend balancing it with other non-medical interests, so that you keep developing and can become part of new communities.
Suffice it to say that when you are absolved of the responsibilities of work, the things you can explore and accomplish are endless. Plus, there are several other advantages that come with retirement, such as freedom from failure and freedom from comparing ourselves to others. The idea is to dive into new interests just for the sake of trying something different. If it is rewarding, keep going; if it is not, just move onto the next thing. No judgment involved. You may want to get back in touch with passions from your past or think about “What would I have done, had I had not become a physician?”
You never know where these new forays may take you. My photography ultimately led to something that gave me great satisfaction – donating my prints to hospitals to create a more welcoming and calming environment for patients, their families, and the staff who care for them. (When you are donating, competition goes out the window.)
So, time to see yourself in a different light and be open to a new, invigorating, and adventure-filled world. Enjoy the journey!
Dr. Agress retired 10 years ago, following a 36-year practice of diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. He continues to voluntarily teach at Columbia Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medical Centers. You can learn more about Next Years Best Years, his resource for personal and emotional well-being, at NextYearsBestYears.com.