Physicians demonstrate hobbies, from classical piano playing to magic

WAILEA, Hawaii — In a session devoted to physicians’ interests outside the practice of ophthalmology, presenters here at Hawaiian Eye 2006 demonstrated and discussed their hobbies, which included scuba diving, stamp collecting, classical piano playing and magic.

Carmen A. Puliafito, MD, MBA, co-course director of the meeting, revealed his in interest in philately, or stamp collecting. He said many people have been interested in philately. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an avid stamp collector, especially after he became sick with polio.

“Stamp collecting saved his life,” Dr. Puliafito said.

Kenneth J. Rosenthal, MD, demonstrated his interest in classical piano by entertaining the audience with the Fantasie-Impromptu in C# minor, by Frederick Chopin, for which Dr. Rosenthal received a standing ovation.

“Piano is a great adjunct for surgical skills,” Dr. Rosenthal said. “It allows you the ability to perform a number of simultaneous tasks. It also gives you physical dexterity and is a great form of relaxation and emotional expression.”

Among other presenters at the session, Robert B. Miller, MD, said scuba diving “has made a profound impact on my life,” and Teruyuki Miyoshi, MD, performed a magic show that amused the audience.