Why is saying no so hard? It is a short 2, letter word that is easy to spell and pronounce yet can be remarkably hard to say. It has a clear definition but its meaning isn’t always clear. As physicians, we are dedicated to the well-being of others. Our days are filled with patient care, […]
After mentoring hundreds of students through their medical school journey, I’ve noticed a common theme. During orientation students are told, “Medical training is a long, hard road. There will be a point when you hit a wall. Take care of yourself and ask for help when you need it.” Every student in the room nods […]
It was a problem before the pandemic. “They” report is it better. For those of us on the front lines, physician burnout is not better. We are just tired of talking about it. Recent studies indicate that nearly 50% of physicians in the United States experience symptoms of burnout, leading to decreased job satisfaction, reduced […]
I sat at my desk, staring at the email from my scheduler. Another patient needed an urgent appointment, but my clinic was overbooked for months. Frustration welled up as I faced with the all-too-familiar dilemma: overbook and risk burnout, or tell the patient to wait six months for care they needed now. This wasn’t just […]
The Hidden Emotional Cost of Being a Doctor: When Personal and Professional Grief Collide I thought I was prepared. As a pediatric cardiologist, I navigate grief and loss regularly, helping families through their darkest moments. But when I said goodbye to my beloved dog Stanzi recently, I discovered that all my professional experience hadn’t prepared […]
Every physician has experienced the following situation at least once. Something happens that is beyond our control – a scheduling error, a prior authorization denial, an angry patient at the front desk – and the proposed solution is: “I’ll talk to the doctor.” Suddenly, it is your job to solve a problem you didn’t create. […]
“I really like surgery. To be able to take someone to the operating room, fix a problem, and discharge them a few days later seems rewarding. I can’t imagine doing anything else.” The medical student sitting across from me had just completed her surgical rotation and was grappling to find her niche. This was the […]
About ten years into my medical career, something felt off. The familiar whisper of doubt about my medical career had grown into an undeniable voice that shouted, “ This isn’t worth it.” Despite being dedicated to my patients and enjoying caring for them, the relentless pace and emotional toll had started to wear me down. […]
Why did you decide to become a doctor? Was it to help others, to challenge yourself, or to make a living? If you are like most physicians I know, it was likely a combination of all three. Now, pause a minute, and think about why you have the postion you currently hold. Why do you […]
Ah, the familiar dance of New Year’s resolutions! As physicians, we’re motivated, goal-oriented, hard-working, life-long learners. But when it comes to setting New Year’s resolutions- we’ve all been there – ambitious declarations of “I’ll exercise daily” or “I’ll achieve perfect work-life balance” that fade faster than our morning coffee buzz. But here’s the truth: only […]
