Every September, as the new school year starts, there is excitement and panic in the air. For the parents, it is shopping for clothes and supplies. For the students, it is seeing old friends, making new ones, and continuing the learning process.

Every September, I use this as a reminder to keep up with my learning as well. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I have to earn a certain number of credits and complete educational activities. I read journals, attend conferences, and read a great deal of information about the new and emerging technologies. I also go “Back to School.”

I am fortunate to have been in private practice for more than 15 years now, and from the very beginning I have used digital photography. All of my before and after pictures are archived on my computer. Each year, I review the results, procedure by procedure, to see if there is improvement and to insure the highest quality of work.

By objectively evaluating the work each year, I can spot areas that have improved, and areas to investigate for the upcoming year. It may be to look into combining procedures, or to trying newer technologies.

I recommend that everyone, no matter the line of work, review your job quality each year to look for ways to improve. Life is about learning and improving.