Fulfillment for Physicians:Rediscovering Your “Why”

“What is the point?”

“Will I ever be caught up?”

” Is it Friday yet?

”How many years until I can retire”

How many times did you ask yourself one or all of these questions this week? Being a doctor is hard. There is not enough time in the day and there is always another patient to see. It is easy to become stuck in the day to day grind and start looking for a way out. No wonder so many of us are unfulfilled or burned out. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone.

Most physicians grapple with similar feelings, often questioning their career choices and personal values. One crucial step toward creating a more balanced, rewarding career is identifying your core values and uncovering you ‘why.’ This blog post will guide you through the process of recognizing what truly matters to you, and how aligning your decisions with these values can create a more fulfilling career and life.

 Understanding Burnout in Medicine

Before diving into the importance of core values, let’s clarify what burnout is and why physicians are predisposed to it. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged and excessive stress. For physicians, the pressures of meeting RVU metrics, endless charting, and the emotional weight of patient care can take their toll. Signs of burnout may include feelings of cynicism, detachment, diminished efficacy, and a lack of fulfillment in your work. It often leads to decreased job satisfaction, strained relationships, and ultimately detachment from the very reason many physicians entered the field: to help others.

 The Importance of Identifying Your Core Values

Core values are fundamental beliefs that guide our actions, decisions, and interactions. They serve as a compass, directing us through the challenges of our personal and professional lives. For many physicians, core values are often tied to patient care, ethics, and the quality of life they want for themselves and their families. Misalignment between your day-to-day activities and core values can create a significant sense of dissatisfaction, leading to unfulfilled careers and personal lives.

  1. What Are Your Core Values?

 Start by reflecting on what truly matters to you. Ask yourself:

• •  What aspects of your life do you prioritize?
  •  What qualities do you admire in others that you would like to embody?
  •  When have you felt most fulfilled in your career, and what values were present at those times?

 To facilitate this process, consider creating a list of your top five core values. This exercise can provide clarity and help you gain insight into what is important to you.

 2. Why Does It Matter?

  Identifying your core values is essential for multiple reasons:

• • Decision-Making: When faced with choices, whether they’re significant career changes or everyday tasks, knowing your core values can help you make aligned decisions.
  • Goal Setting: Understanding what matters most to you can inform your personal and professional goals, keeping you motivated and engaged.
  • Career Satisfaction: Aligning your work with your core values can reignite your passion for medicine, making your daily activities feel more meaningful.

Aligning Decisions with Your ‘Why’

 With your core values in mind, it’s time to explore how they impact your career and life decisions. This can range from the specialty you choose to the clinic where you practice or even how you spend your off-hours.

 1. Reflect on Past Decisions

 Consider significant career decisions you have made in the past. Did they align with your core values? If not, how did this misalignment affect your satisfaction and fulfillment in your work?

 2. Evaluate Current Circumstances

 Examine your current career status. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unfulfilled? Take the time to assess whether your daily activities align with your core values. 

 For example, if one of your core values is ‘compassion’ and you find yourself overwhelmed by bureaucratic tasks, you might reconsider your work environment or contemplate adjustments that allow for more patient interaction.

 3. Plan for the Future

 As you aim to create a balanced and satisfying career, think about how you can incorporate your core values into future decisions. This might involve seeking opportunities that prioritize values like ‘innovation’ or ‘teamwork,’ or it may mean making lifestyle changes that allow you to spend more time with family, reflecting your value of ‘family connections.’

Creating a Supportive Environment

 Once you’ve identified your core values and begun to realign your decisions, it’s time to chart a path that aligns with them. Start by making connections.  Reach out to colleagues who share similar values and start talking about fulfillment and burnout. Consider mentorship opportunities or joining professional groups that resonate with your values. These connections can provide support, encouragement, and new perspectives on aligning your career with your core values.

 Fulfillment for Physicians

As a physician, it’s easy to lose sight of your purpose amidst the demands of the profession. However, taking the time to identify your core values and understanding your ‘why’ is crucial to navigating these challenges. By aligning your career with what matters most to you, not only can you reduce feelings of burnout, but also rekindle your passion for medicine and improve your overall quality of life. Remember, you are more than your profession; you are a person with unique values, interests, and constraints. Finding your balance between these elements can significantly enhance both your personal and professional life.