A Tribute to Dad: See One, Do One, Teach One

My dad was an excellent teacher who led by example. He was skilled, smart, strong, strict, and sensitive. He taught me how to swim, skate, change a flat car tire, plant a vegetable garden, perform CPR, and a myriad of other things that seemed simple at that time, but would later hold an indelible place in my heart. He supported my dance classes, encouraged my artwork, and inspired industriousness and self-reliance.

Although he was not a physician, he was responsible for my first “hands-on” procedure: See one, do one, teach one.

It was summer vacation and mom and dad had planned a well-deserved getaway for themselves. In their absence, my grandmother and three age-compatible cousins traveled from New Jersey to “babysit.” Cousin Lisa saw my earrings, and asked my dad if he would pierce her earlobes as he had similarly done for me in prior years. So, before leaving on his journey, there was ice, alcohol, a candle, matches, sewing needle, and thread. The request was granted.

My parents departed on their voyage, and all of the kids ran out to the backyard and jumped into the pool. We had a blast running in and out of the back door, throwing ourselves into the water, and doing calisthenics on the deck. By late evening, it had become apparent that Lisa had lost one of her newly placed ear piercings. See one, do one. I remembered ice, alcohol, a candle, matches, sewing needle, and thread. My first procedure was a success. When my parents returned from their trip, I proudly told my dad of my accomplishment. He said “Oh yeah? HOT DOG!”

The field of wound care reflects the necessary collaboration of the expertise of many skilled, smart, and sensitive individuals. See one, do one, teach one. How much have you shared with your colleagues or burgeoning students when demonstrating the essentials of performing tasks, including but not limited to, ankle brachial index (ABI), total contact cast (TCC) applications, and placement of cellular- and tissue-based products (CTP)? I am always so grateful when I see the incredible results of manual lymphatic drainage provided by our lymphedema therapists.

Similarly, our certified wound care clinic nurses are amazingly proficient as a NASCAR pit crew in applying multilayered compression wraps. Sometimes, I just like to watch them work their magic. HOT DOG!

May we recognize that as leaders our positive energies are inspiring.

Until next time …

Monique Abner, MD, CWSP, is affiliated with Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine, part of Tower Health Medical Group, in Wyomissing, PA. Dr. Abner's professional affiliations include the American Board of Wound Management, the American Society of Plastic Surgery, Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, member of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, and member of the Association for the Advancement of Wound Care.