Name:
Quentin R. Pirkle, Jr., M.D.
Email:
Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:
Emory University, BA in Chemistry
Medical School:
Emory University School of Medicine
In practice since:
- July, 1977 through July, 2006 Internal Medicine
- July, 2006 through March, 2014: Physician Executive in a Healthcare System
- Currently semi-retired doing consulting and disability reviews for Social Security and GA
Your Specialty:
Internal Medicine
Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school:
1974-1977 Internship and Medical Residency in Internal Medicine at Emory University affiliated Hospitals
How did you choose your specialty?
I chose Internal Medicine after my 3rd year rotations as it was the specialty that I enjoyed the most and dealt with the entire patient. I transitioned to Administration as a Physician Executive in 2006 as it appeared to be the best way to be empowered to affect changes that were occurring in health care delivery at that time.
What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?
For the practice of Internal Medicine
MOST – patient interaction and the difference I could make in patient's lives
LEAST – the intrusion into the practice of medicine by Insurance Companies and the Government
As a Physician Executive
MOST - Helping other physicians as they dealt with the changes in healthcare brought about by Insurance companies, government, and hospital systems.
LEAST -corporate politics
In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?
Physicians in any field need to be servant-leaders. Medicine is a unique field in that you help others while making a living. Keep helping others the priority. As a Physician Executive I found that Integrity was one of the most common attributes physician's desires in other physicians. It goes without saying that patients expect this.
Hobbies/special interests:
- Reading
- Home improvement projects
- Working in the yard