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LIFESTYLE

C. Niek Van Dijk, MD
Jõo Espregueira-

Amsterdam, Mendes, MD, PhD
NETHERLANDS
Porto, PORTUGAL

A1 One way or the other I will make it work.
A1 An
orthopaedic
surgeon related with the
treatment of athletes must be prepared to deal
A2 These are the type of “problems” that give
me energy.
with codependent domains of his life. It takes
obviously a long, often hard, and committed

way. We have been doing it in a team’s strategy
between our group and my family. When a
change of plans comes up, understanding

normally overcomes their disappointment. For
years this scenario is well worked in my mind

Annunziato Amendola, MD
while receiving the solicitation to perform surgery,
with short notice, in an inconvenient moment. I
Iowa City, IA, USA
will be immediately dealing with logistics in order
to analyze the best options to take me there. I

also would be in touch with my team to manage
all the arrangements needed. Medical care of a

high level football player entails different concerns
and communication (player, family, manager,
A1 It depends, if you have an agreement with the directors, coach and so on). In my experience
team or organization, I think you have to honor
with a high level athlete, rush is always involved,
your obligations. If not, then would have to weigh expected, even needed when someone calls to
the pros and cons, why the surgery could not
operate a soccer player, yesterday! Nonetheless,
wait a few days. It would be difficult for me to say there are strong reasons to cope with associated
yes without knowing all the circumstances. As
urgency and demand for excellence of care. This
physicians we all like to help people, but on the rush must not make us forget the human being
other hand many people can perform the same
with a quiet and smooth preparation dealing
surgery as good or better than I can.
carefully with the player expectations. If through

A2 I really like what I do. Daily practice is not stressful an arthroscope’s light we can bring hope again
if you enjoy what you do every day, if you don’t, to an athlete, I think it is worth returning from
vacation a few days earlier than expected.
it is stressful. Should do what you do well, do
the right thing, and ask for help when you don’t A2 My physic or emotional balance is difficult to
really feel you can do the right thing. As a result
conciliate with professional activities. I believe
my conscience is free of guilt and pressure, that there is a drive force with origin in a
therefore it is not stressful. Keep in perspective
strong intrinsic motivation, familiar support,
what is important and what makes one happy, if social responsibility and mission spirit. I rescue
you do that then you don’t deviate from what is
strengths and fight stress with tennis, submarine
important.
diving, Indo-Portuguese art and the Portuguese

discovery time history. Nevertheless, my body
and stress resilience keep remembering me that

time goes by.

ISAKOS NEWSLETTER 2013: Volume II 43