Jewish News: Where were you educated?
Dr. Laurie Goldsticker: I spent my undergraduate years exploring the grounds of University of Virginia before attending graduate school at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond.
JN: What was your work history?
LG: I was fortunate to work with compassionate and skilled family physicians in Sentara Medical Group and Bayview Physicians Group in Tidewater.
During the initial few years, I took care of newborns in the hospital nursery and residents of Beth Sholom Home, in addition to patients in the office. When I moved my practice to a location closer to my home, I transitioned to outpatient care only; I fulfilled my dream of being a neighborhood family doc like my childhood physician, Dr. Jerome Perlman.
In addition to patient care, I had the opportunity to work with medical students in my office throughout my career.
JN: Did you have a plan for what you would do with your time?
LG: I have always kept a “when I retire list,” with auditing college classes at the top. A couple of years prior to retirement, I expanded that list and am pleased that I have achieved several of the goals already!
I took an online meteorology course a few years ago but am not yet of the age to audit ODU classes without charge.
JN: Do you participate in volunteer work?
LG: Absolutely! Our parents set an example for us early on, with Dad serving as treasurer for Beth El and later volunteering his accounting skills at JFS, and Mom actively participating in Beth El Sisterhood and B’nai Brith Women.
My first volunteer activity in retirement was with the Be A Reader program, which pairs volunteer mentors and elementary school students for an hour each week.
JN: Do you use your professional skills in any way since retirement? Do people still call you for medical advice?
LG: After a few months of retirement, and at the encouragement of my husband and daughter, I reached out to the Eastern Virginia Medical School contact who had placed medical students in our office and inquired about opportunities to volunteer as a retired physician. Much to my delight, I have had the opportunity to work with small groups of first- and second-year medical students as they learn the clinical skills needed to practice medicine.
We meet regularly with standardized patients, in a setting that allows the students to become comfortable with communicating and examining patients. My husband and I continue to learn from medical journals, and I suspect we will always receive phone calls with medical questions.
JN: What do you do to relax?
LG: For me, retirement equals relaxation. I am fortunate to have this time to spend with my parents and grandchildren. I continue to enjoy reading, assembling jigsaw puzzles, and playing the piano. And I’m always looking for new Words with Friends opponents.
JN: What about travel? What has been a favorite destination?
LG: A favorite destination? Wherever our sweet grandchildren are! Being Bubby/Savta is the best! We gravitate toward the beach and Florida but love spending time in the winter in Colorado.
JN: In general, are you glad you retired? Do you ever miss working?
LG: I am quite happily retired. I was fortunate to have a profession which provided so much satisfaction, and I love working with the medical students now. I miss my patients and am always delighted when our paths cross but am thankful for the opportunity to focus on family and health.
JN: Do you feel any healthier? Less stressed?
LG: Unequivocally yes to both questions! My health has improved significantly in retirement, and I was able to leave the stress at the office.
JN: Do you have any advice for someone considering retirement?
LG: I highly recommend it. Along with financial planning for retirement, focus on compiling a list of activities and hobbies that interest you.
Once you’ve retired, start a new routine for your mornings – most of us need at least a little structure to our day. Try something new, volunteer, reach out to family and friends with regular phone calls and visits. It may take a year to settle into your new life, but it is worth the effort.
JN: Last comments?
LG: At some point, you will stop working. If you are able, plan to do it while you can appreciate it. Enjoy this next chapter in life – you’ve earned it!