COM Outlook Winter 2021

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 49 FAST FACTS BRETT M. SCOTCH, D.O., FAOCO Professional • owner of Scotch Institute of Ear Nose & Throat in Wesley Chapel, Florida • second vice president, FOMA • vice president of the Select Physicians Alliance • board of governors of the Hillsborough County Osteopathic Medical Society • appointed to Florida Physician Workforce Advisory Council Honors • Physician of the Year, FOMA • Community Physician of the Year, Florida Hospital Zephyrhills • Distinguished Service Award, Hillsborough County Osteopathic Medical Society • Guardian of the Profession, American Osteopathic Association • Physician of the Year, Hillsborough County Osteopathic Medical Society • USAF Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal Giving Back • speaks at community health events and lectures at osteopathic conferences • provides free oral cancer screenings for the community • volunteers at the local high school to provide free school physicals the survival of our profession, but for the protection of our patients.” Scotch also points to an ancillary benefit that comes from being active in a leadership capacity. “It keeps things interesting,” he added. “I have met many doctors from other specialties and cities around the country who have become great friends through my involvement with the FOMA. I have enjoyed traveling to Tallahassee, Florida, Washington, D.C., and Chicago to represent our collective physician voice.” Work-Life Balance Although his career and osteopathic advocacy consume much of his time, Scotch makes sure he devotes his attention to his personal life as well. “It’s important to stay well-rounded as a physician and human being, especially these days,” he said. “I’m very active in my children’s lives and supportive of their extracurricular activities.” Scotch’s son Benjamin, now in his freshman year of high school, loves sports, while his sophomore daughter Lauren has pursued her love of dance since she could walk. Weekends find Scotch and his wife balancing baseball games and dance competitions, teaching a teenager to drive, and trying to squeeze in some relaxation time on their Jet Skis with the family. Although it has been more than 20 years since Scotch earned his D.O. degree from the KPCOM, he continually finds time to reflect on his good fortune. “I am truly grateful to be part of this wonderful osteo- pathic family, and thankful each day for the opportu- nity to make a difference in the lives of my patients and in my profession,” he concluded. “My life is crazy busy and unimaginably full and blessed.” o From left: Enjoying a fun afternoon are daughter Lauren, Brett Scotch, wife Jodi, and son Benjamin.