COM Outlook Winter 2021

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 47 Because he had worked with several amazing mentors throughout his clinical rotations and resi- dency training, Scotch knew private practice would be an ideal fit for him. “The decision-making process was not an easy one,” he admitted. “I knew the per- sonal toll and financial risks would be great. However, I invested in myself, and I am very thankful today for my decisions more than a decade ago. The practice is robust, and I am surrounded by amazing professionals.” Currently, Scotch’s practice encompasses three locations in Wesley Chapel and Trinity, Florida, and includes two audiologists, three allergy nurses, a nurse practitioner, two associate physicians, and a dedicated core of staff members. “Some of the more common procedures we perform include endoscopic sinus and nasal surgery, balloon sinuplasty, tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, ear surgery, surgery of the larynx and vocal cords, and cancer surgery of the throat and tongue, as well as procedures to treat sleep and snoring disorders,” he said. What does a typical workweek entail for Scotch, who received the Physician of the Year Award in 2011 from the Florida Osteopathic Medical Association (FOMA), as well as the 2020 Top Doc Tampa Bay designation? “A typical week normally consists of four days of seeing patients in the office, a full day of surgery, and every- thing in between, including office administration and maintaining the facilities,” said Scotch, who also enjoys teaching and making time to have medical students rotate with him throughout the year. “My staff would describe me as meticulous, as one minute I may be performing a nasal endoscopy, and the next minute, they may see me running a soft cloth over the top of a picture frame, ensuring there is no dust,” Scotch admitted. “As a private practice owner, there are no jobs that do not fall into your realm of expertise. I am also the practice plumber, electrician, and handyman.” Left: Scotch prepares to perform a surgical procedure. Above: Scotch brings his political advocacy to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. “It is important to lend our time, efforts, and talents for the benefit of the patients we serve and the long-term benefit and growth of our profession.” —Brett M. Scotch (continued on page 48)