The Art of Balance: A Medical Director’s Journey into Aquatic Serenity
In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where urgency often dictates the rhythm of the day, it's easy to overlook the full spectrum of life that lies beyond the clinic walls. For Derek Wolken, Site Medical Director at Erie West Town, finding equilibrium between professional demands and personal fulfillment is not just a goal—it's a necessity. And his path to balance is as unique as it is enriching.
Derek supervises a team of eight providers, who focus on providing excellent patient care. Yet, behind his professional persona, Derek is a multifaceted individual with a passion that deeply contrasts the intensity of his day job: a fascination with fishkeeping. His journey into this serene and intricate hobby began during the pandemic, a time when many sought comfort in new or rediscovered interests. For Derek, the world of fish became a sanctuary—a soothing escape from the rigors of his professional life.
Growing up, Derek spent his childhood fishing, playing in the mud, and observing the natural world around him—a bonding experience with his father that left an indelible mark. Today, he channels that early connection to nature into keeping tropical fish, a hobby that has grown into a small aquatic empire within his home, consisting of 17 aquariums and two 100-gallon container ponds that he keeps outside during the summer.
The allure of fishkeeping lies not just in the beauty of the fish themselves but in the endless depth of knowledge the hobby offers. The variety of fish species, each with its own unique behaviors and needs, provides an unending stream of information to explore—a perfect fit for Derek who, as an individual with ADHD, thrives on diving into detailed, ever-expanding fields of knowledge to spark his interest.
More than just a hobby, fishkeeping for Derek is a practice in mindfulness. The act of observing fish as they navigate their aquariums has a profound calming effect, reducing anxiety and centering the mind. It’s a sensory experience that offers a peaceful contrast to the daily challenges of his medical career. Derek describes lying flat on a paddleboard in the middle of the water, fully immersed in the sensations around him—a reflection of the tranquility he brings into his home through his aquariums.
This serenity is something Derek actively shares with his family. His children enjoyed interacting with the fish and plants in the ponds as well over the summer, a project intertwined with Derek’s fishkeeping hobby. The fish that pass away are respectfully buried in the yard near the outdoor tanks, providing nutrients to the plants—a primitive connection to the cycle of life that is both educational and grounding.
Fishkeeping, while a form of relaxation, also requires a level of responsibility and care. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding the basics, such as nutrient input and output, and ensuring that the fish are well-fed and their environment maintained. It's a hobby that teaches patience and attention to detail—qualities that are equally important in his professional life. When starting, Wolken turned to YouTube as his teacher, learning everything from feeding schedules to the intricacies of tank maintenance.
He approaches fishkeeping with a mindset that balances ambition with realism. Accepting where one is in life, and being honest about what is manageable, is key to sustaining any hobby. This philosophy mirrors his approach to leadership, where understanding the ebbs and flows of both personal and professional life helps him guide his team through the challenges they face.
As Derek manages his indoor aquariums—14 of which reside in an unfinished bathroom equipped with an auto water changer—he finds that this hobby is not just about caring for living creatures but also about staying engaged with something that brings joy and fulfillment. Even when the demands of life or work intensify, his fish provide a constant, calming presence, reminding him of the importance of balance.
In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, Derek’s journey into fishkeeping serves as a powerful reminder of the need to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, to find grounding in simple, mindful practices. Whether it's the calming experience of watching fish or the more active pursuit of paddling across a serene lake, Derek has discovered ways to foster a sense of peace that enhances both his personal and professional life. However, the challenge of carving out personal space remains ongoing.
And perhaps, in sharing his story, Derek invites us all to explore the depths of our own multifaceted selves, to discover passions that center us, and to bring a little more tranquility into our daily lives.