From West Point to Wine: Success in Career & Retirement, with Dr. Pat St. Pierre

Listen in as host David Mandell welcomes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Patrick St. Pierre. Pat begins by sharing his background in the military, where he served in the infantry and as an airborne ranger pathfinder and eventually transitioned to medical school and a path in orthopedics. He then tells David about his decisions around the first job he took outside of the military on the east coast and his eventual move to Palm Desert, CA to a growing orthopedic practice there.

The conversation then shifts to Pat’s involvement with industry, including work on a Mako orthopedic robot for shoulder surgeries. He comments on the importance of physicians working with industry and gives advice to those thinking about doing so.

David and Pat then discuss Pat’s plan for retirement, which he has given a lot of thought to over the last decade after seeing colleagues struggle with life post-medical career. Pat is passionate about retiring TO something, not just FROM medicine. Pat explains his TO – is wine – and give insights on what he has been doing for some years to train and become certified as a master sommelier.

The episode concludes with Pat giving some specific advice for colleagues on approaching retirement beyond medicine.

KEY POINTS

Dr. Pat St. Pierre's Background: A West Point graduate, he also completed his medical education at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences and has an extensive military medical career, including residencies and fellowships in orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.

Military Experience: Dr. St. Pierre initially served in the infantry, where he undertook demanding roles such as airborne ranger and pathfinder, before transitioning to medicine in the military.

Motivation for Medicine: Inspired by personal experiences, including his mother's battle with heart disease, Dr. St. Pierre initially considered cardiology before shifting to orthopedics.

Choosing Orthopedic Surgery: He found his passion for orthopedics and sports medicine through impactful rotations and mentorship during medical school.

Transition to Civilian Practice: After 24 years of military service, his first civilian role in Virginia was driven by family considerations and proximity to his wife’s ailing parents.

Palm Desert Practice: Dr. St. Pierre joined Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center and has been practicing there for 17 years, playing a pivotal role in the growth of the practice.

Sports Medicine Leadership: He became the lead physician for major sports events, including the BNP Paribas Tennis Open, and worked with junior colleges, high schools, and a professional hockey team.

Financial Lessons for Young Physicians: He emphasized the importance of mentors, contract review, and considering regional factors like managed care and ancillary revenue streams when choosing a practice.

Overhead Management: Dr. St. Pierre’s group reduced their overhead by transitioning into a hospital-affiliated model, which improved financial efficiency.

Industry Collaboration: He values physician involvement in medical device development and has contributed to innovations like the BioWick rotator cuff anchor and the Mako robotic shoulder replacement.

Mako Robotic Shoulder Surgery: Dr. St. Pierre is part of a global team developing this cutting-edge technology, with FDA approval recently granted, signaling a transformative advance in shoulder surgery.

Planning for Retirement: He advocates for retiring to something meaningful rather than simply retiring from medicine, sharing his personal journey of preparing for life after surgery.

Passion for Wine: Dr. St. Pierre pursued a Master of Wine certification, a rigorous program blending science, viticulture, and business, becoming one of a select few in the world to achieve this level.

Future Endeavors: He plans to continue contributing to wine education and management while staying engaged with the medical industry, ensuring a fulfilling post-retirement phase.

Lifelong Learning: Dr. St. Pierre underscores the importance of challenging oneself with new pursuits, such as studying wine or learning an instrument, to keep the mind active and engaged.

 

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