Meet Dr. Thomas Rothe!
We are honored to introduce this month's ArMA Member Spotlight, Thomas Rothe, MD. After serving his community for over 40 years, Dr. Rothe very recently retired and since then, has begun diving back into personal hobbies. Along with running a successful practice in Tuscon, Dr. Rothe is a past president of ArMA and the Pima County Medical Society. His dedication to organized medicine has significantly furthered health care in Arizona, and in recognition of these efforts, Dr. Rothe received ArMA’s Edward Sattenspiel, MD, Health Care Award in 2021.
In his interview for this month’s Member Spotlight, Dr. Rothe shares more about this transitional period into retirement. There is something for everyone, from new projects to insights on patient care. Read more about Dr. Rothe's journey with medicine below!
What advice would you give to your 18-year-old self?
Life is a marathon, not a sprint. You might not know your career path now, but there is time to sort that out. Pursue anything for which you have an extreme passion but realize that may not be the end game as the vicissitudes of life are at their peak.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I have finally retired after 42 years of practice. I now have time to do things I've just put off. Primary among them is "landscape management" of my one-acre property, a full-time, part-time job. Working outside with something to show for it is very rewarding. Plus, my wife always knows where I am!
What do you hope is remembered about you?
As a physician, someone who listened and cared about their patients' interests without overly trying to insert myself into their lives. I always tried to inject humor, often self-deprecating, into every encounter as laughter lightens the load for everyone.
What is your approach to patient care?
Steer the patient in the right direction without being overly assertive or judgmental. Encourage and reward patients who have made healthy changes. I think if you can significantly impact the lives of just ten people (quit smoking, lose weight, detect a serious medical issue, etc), you've done your job.
What is an accomplishment that you are most proud of?
Personally, being married for 43 years and counting. Professionally, having a satisfying career without any malpractice suits.
What prompted your involvement in organized medicine?
I have always been involved in organized medicine as there is an essential need. Physicians must play an active role since no one else has our interests at heart. Unless someone is minding the store, our profession is threatened on all levels, from scope of practice, legislative invasion, insurance reimbursement, and political indifference. The unsustainability of Medicare alone will have a major impact unless we right the course or choose alternative ways to practice.
