No doubt many of you read about Dr Rich Blake’s recent journey through the Tuscan Hills of Italy. 26 days of slow walking with this wife for mile after mile every day, all day, until eventually reaching their final destination in Rome. All this, after heart surgery and a 40 year career as a leading podiatric expert in biomechanics. The Blakes’ journey was not only a physical one, but an educational and spiritual one as well, exploring historical sites and celebrating their faith. I don’t know about you, but I am inspired!
An accomplishment of this magnitude is not achieved overnight. Dr Blake outlines a training regimen that requires a long term commitment and dedication to completing a very lofty long term goal. How does all this relate to our roles as biomechanics specialists? Lower extremity biomechanics is very tied to the concept of keeping people upright and mobile. How better to keep our patients upright and mobile, than setting the example of being upright and mobile ourselves? I recently saw a TV commercial for a new program based on a fictional physician who likes to experience his patients point of view, the ultimate empath. For entertainment purposes it is considered to be an offbeat concept, but is it really?
Currently obesity and chronic disease is running rampant in our society. We are all personally responsible for our own well being, including health care providers. I urge the audience of this forum to consider committing to their own “slow walk” program. It is too easy to neglect our physical fitness when dealing with the day to day stresses of navigating the current healthcare environment, honoring family commitments and so many other daily to do list items. The benefits of maintaining an upright and mobile lifestyle are both personal and professional. Not only will you feel better and look better, you will be in a much more credible position when you advise your patients to lose weight, or exercise more. Dan Campbell, the head coach of my beloved Detroit Lions, starts every training camp doing a drill called up/downs with his players, often doing more of them than players half his age. They are hard to do, and his players love him for showing (not just telling) them what is possible
So find your passion, have some fun, whether it is slow walking, jogging, crossfit, pickleball or whatever. You might find you can inspire your patients to follow your example. It is very gratifying to inspire someone to achieve a goal they never thought was possible. Be a Dr Blake.
