A hot cup of coffee is part of the job for Dr. Joseph Shvidler, even if his caffeine preference is a bit unusual. Framed by dawn, Dr. Shvidler’s day starts with a cup sipped hot while reviewing patient charts. While the rest may skimp the moment on documents — his routine with his coffee and open chart analysis alone coalesce a laser precision the way a chess master contemplates his next big move. A physician specializing in ear nose and throat, medicine to Dr. Shvidler isn’t just a career path, but the career path, “it chose me”. more help
There are no many doctors who can be referred to as “patient friendly“ and that makes Dr. Shvidler special. Adam’s top way to wipe out symtoms with explanations that leave sense to easily “get” by people and patients without having to fight through medical terms. Sure, he’s a doctor in a lab coat, but the connection established is far more deep-seated—it’s based on trust. Their recognition that in the face of some of the most horrifying-sounding symptoms they’re experiencing, they feel like calmer, relaxed versions of themselves with the doctor is wonderfully appealing.
His colleagues are always fascinated by his fantastic memory. One of them quipped that he has a better memory for patient histories than most of us do for our WiFi passwords, a compliment that holds up. His easygoing nature combined with keen sense of humor allows his patients and coworkers to dissolve tension in no time. A dry jest arrives as promptly as there is an ounce of silence in the conversation.
Operating scenes of master specialist Shvidler’s incredible artistry. The chatter subsides, the lights are brighter and a serene focus settles in. Everything here is calculated, and commands are given, clear orders. To many people, this seems like a high-pressure scenario. It feels choreographic to Shvidler, calm and confident and composed. In the operating room, he never loses his cool. One time during an outage, he led the team on it as if it were just another routine thing.
He’s the voice of reason: a cool, calm head in the midst of new-fangled technology – 3D models, digital diagnostics and state of the art equipment. Technology, “is useful,” but he is also a big believer that, “your most important tools are still your hands and your eyes.” Every case is a new challenge, even after thousands of intricate surgical procedures. He provides coaching with grounded-wisdom and levity. “Ask twice, cut once,” is his favorite one.
Dr Shvidler has global impact through research that practitioners worldwide utilize, and the exploration of minimally invasive sinus techniques. His contributions are broad but also deep. He does not court admiration, but garners it without seeking it. While being modest, in terms of feedback from global conferences, his presentations are often feted as egoless and still-powerful speeches, with clarity and vision.
Even when he’s done with the day, he’s not. Many nights, he lingers to check in on patients or field anxious phone calls. These late-night moments — getting updates on test results, soothing nerves in the hours after surgery — may not make the news, but to his patients, they mean the most.
In a land of speed over tenderness, flash over content, Dr. Joseph Shvidler lays down a different kind of legacy, quietly orchestrated for consistency, and compassion, and an unapologetic devotion to simply do a little bit better every day. And that may be his greatest achievement of all.