ASK THE CAREER COACH

What the Femtosecond Laser Can Teach You

By William B. Rabourn Jr.

Q: Will the femtosecond laser change cataract surgery as we know it?

A: Obviously you've noticed that femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is a white-hot topic right now. It seemed to be all-consuming at this year's meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, in the exhibit hall, at the podium and in lively hallway discussions. To answer your question, no one knows for sure at this time what the ultimate impact of femto-second technology will be on cataract surgery, but as an ophthalmologist about to begin a career, you can use it as a tool of sorts starting today.

What do I mean by that? Well, the introduction of new, and in some cases paradigm-changing, technology is something eye doctors typically encounter many times throughout their careers. The goal of new-technology development is always the same, to enhance safety, efficacy, predictability and outcomes for patients. However, the way each ophthalmologist reacts to new technology can be different. Undoubtedly, you have heard stories about the early days of phacoemulsification. Many of us witnessed the tumultuous debate that took place at the time, and all of us can see how that ended up.

Some doctors invariably grumble when a potential new way of doing things emerges, citing increased costs, practice disruption and what they feel is pressure from manufacturers. Others take a wait-and-see approach, making sure the latest thing is a sure thing before they decide to adopt it. Still others jump at the chance to participate in progress by using a new device or technique right away to help refine it and provide the benefits it promises to like-minded, “early adopter” patients.

Where Do You Fit In?

Sooner rather than later, you should figure out where you fall in that continuum. Thinking about the role of the femto-second laser in cataract surgery is a good way to start. Do your homework. Review clinical trial results; talk to colleagues and mentors about surgical experiences; and seek out educational opportunities. Once you've done your research, you can decide where you stand on the value of the technology and how you would approach it if you were making decisions for a practice. Also, perhaps more importantly at this point in your career, you can use the issue to help you decide which job offer to accept. You'll want to work for a practice that shares your position on this particular technology, which is a solid sign of how the practice adapts to technology change in general. If, like me, you believe femtosecond lasers will find their way into most cataract surgery suites in the coming years, you'll want the practice you join to at least be willing to help you gain access to one in the future.

More proactive practices have begun to evaluate the factors involved with adopting femto-second technology, such as clinical results, effects on practice flow, what type of business model may take shape, the interest level of patients, how to charge and bill, and potential return on investment.

You Make the Call

Understanding your comfort level with adopting new technology is important, and femto-second laser-asssited cataract surgery presents what may be your first chance to participate in this type of technology evolution. Decide where you fall in the new technology continuum
and prepare for the future. nMD

Mr. Rabourn is founder and managing principal of Medical Consulting Group in Springfield, Mo. The Medical Consulting Group team possesses a wide range of expertise in staff training, development of ambulatory surgery centers, and practice development, management, financial operations, efficiency and marketing/advertising. Contact him at bill@medcgroup.com or 417-889-2040.