by Harlie Ferguson
What motivates you to get up and be good at what you do?
OK, silly question. 
You have responsibilities, right? You have duties to perform. Plants to water, kids to feed. For some, it’s caring for others in a professional capacity. Let’s talk about the professional side. However, I reserve the right to blend the professional duties with personal fulfillment so let’s talk about career choices. But first, let me tell you about my history.
If you’re reading this, then you and I have a common interest, Electrophysiology, or EP, as we like to call it. EP appeals to the Gadgeteer or Technoid in all of us. It seems to fit the way I process information…I think.
Anyway, I have found EP to be fulfilling in my desire to live a purposeful life. My Grandmother advised me that I was chosen to follow a path that served others. She was thinking about Ministry but I wound up in Healthcare. She was only mildly surprised but not disappointed.
My first experience in healthcare came after coming back from Viet Nam and working Crisis Intervention which led me, after my honorable discharge from the military, to work as a Psychiatric Technician (that prepared me for working with Cardiologists).
Following a period of PTSD distracted, herbal enhanced, musician choices, I rediscovered my intended path (like discovering a new flavor) and become a Respiratory Therapist which led to Cardiac Cath Lab where I was drawn, almost magnetically, (pun intended) to the EP lab.
My career in EP has checked every box and then some. I found that thing that transcended a job to a vocation. You know that saying, “when you do what you love, you will never work another day in your life.” I have been a Tech, an Applications Specialist, Sales Specialist, Clinical Engineer (the only train I ever drove was a pacing train, yes pun intended), a Training Manager, and Educator. I worked in the hospital, built an EP lab from the ground up, traveled to labs around the world, conducted training sessions in laboratories and auditoriums. Worked for a start-up and big-time industry and now a Consultant.
Now, let’s get back to your career choices…
Whatever you achieve in your professional careers is a summation of all the experiences of a lifetime. You will be humbled, intimidated, and encouraged. At times, disappointed in the choices you make and other times feel privileged, surprised, and honored by your achievements. It’s a cacophony of sensations.
So, what motivates you to get up and be good at what you do? 
Because it sucks to be the last person in the EP lab to recognize what’s going on! Whether you lead or follow you still have to survive. Yes, Knowledge is Power! Knowledge and skill not only differentiate you from your career competitors who will steal your lunch money (advancement opportunities) but more importantly, it directly affects your critical thinking and the health outcomes of the patients that sit square in your career path.
This is what you have chosen. I hope that if I ever wind up in your ED or EP lab, that you will be loving what you do. Then I know I can trust you to be good at it.
Stay Safe, Stay Strong!
Founding Director, G&G Consulting, LLC
Email: foundingdirector@ggconsultingllc.com
36 years of Healthcare Experience with 18 years in industry specializing in Electrophysiology Clinical Practice, Education and Simulation Program, and Curriculum Design for Physicians, Allied Health Professionals and Manufacturing Reps.
This week’s EP question:
The 12 lead ECG displayed demonstrates this finding.
1. Positive Concordance
2. Negative Concordance
3. Typical RBBB Morphology
4. Atypical RBBB Morphology
Answer
Negative Concordance
