Generation W: How long have you been in this career?

Dr. Pfeifer: In a sense I started in the medical field when I was 16 as an orderly at the Virginia hospital. But, I started working at Minntac as their doctor about 5 years ago.

GW: Describe your job duties.

DP: One of my job duties is to care for the overall health of the employees. Another duty is to make sure they are able to safely return to work after an injury or surgery. Some injuries I deal with are people needing stitches. I also make sure employees take certain safety precautions to protect their hearing and eyesight and make sure the employee takes care of themselves so they will have a long and healthy retirement.

GW: What is the necessary education need for this job?

DP:You need to earn your 4-year degree in college then you need to go to 4 years of medical school. After that you complete 3 years of post doctorate training.

GW: What is the greatest benefit of this job?

DP: I like the structure this job gives me. I really enjoy the challenge of solving each patient’s problem. No two patients are ever exactly alike, it’s like each patient’s problem is a different puzzle to solve.

GW: What is your favorite part of this job?

DP: I like keeping people healthy. It is very interesting learning about workers comp and how it applies to what I am doing.

GW: What are the challenges of this job?

Solving problems in every part of the job. I get to work with a lot of people with different backgrounds.

GW: What would be the best way to get started in this career?

DP: Get good grades in your undergrad degree. Do volunteer work or something to set yourself apart from others applying to medical school.

GW: Why did you choose this career?

DP: I have always enjoyed the challenge that goes along with helping people.

GW: What have you gained from working here?

DP: I keep learning more and more everyday. I have learned a lot about mining, workers comp, and safety precautions around equipment.

GW: What piece of advice would you give anyone looking to get into this field?

DP: Go for it!