Context:

Dr. David Slotwiner, the chief of cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital, finds solace in herding sheep with his Border collies on Sundays at a New Jersey farm. This unique hobby started during the coronavirus pandemic when his dog, Cosmo, showed aggression, prompting a trainer to suggest herding as an outlet. Slotwiner's Sundays begin with a SoulCycle class and breakfast with his wife, Anne, before heading to the farm to train his dogs. The herding experience, which requires effective leadership and communication through whistle commands, offers Slotwiner a refreshing challenge that contrasts with his medical profession. Despite the busy schedule, he values the opportunity to be a beginner and enjoys the physical exercise and mental clarity it provides before returning to his medical duties and family gatherings in the evening.

Dive Deeper:

• Dr. David Slotwiner balances his demanding role as chief of cardiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens hospital with a distinctive hobby of herding sheep on Sundays in New Jersey, which began during the pandemic to address his dog Cosmo's aggression.

• Slotwiner's Sunday routine starts with a SoulCycle class in Bronxville, followed by breakfast with his wife, Anne, before they make the hour-long drive to Wayside Farm where he practices herding with his dogs, Cosmo and Luna.

• At the farm, Slotwiner employs whistle commands to guide his Border collies in herding sheep, a task that teaches him about leadership and offers a refreshing change from his usual responsibilities of instructing medical students and cardiologists.

• Training the dogs involves teaching them complex tasks like moving sheep in controlled ways and separating them into groups, requiring trust and effective communication over large distances.

• After a fulfilling day at the farm, Slotwiner returns to his medical duties, often stopping for a favorite meal of soup dumplings if on call, and ends the day with family dinners or playing with his dogs, maintaining a balance of work, exercise, and personal life.

• Slotwiner's preference for bow ties at work originated from a patient's gift and has become a distinctive part of his professional attire, with a collection of over 50 bow ties that patients appreciate.

• He enjoys winding down his day with reading on his Kindle, currently indulging in Tana French's 'Faithful Place', and values the feature that allows him to seamlessly switch between reading and listening during his commutes.