Blog
When Duty Calls: Conflicting Values as a Physician
When Duty Calls: Conflicting Personal And Professional Values As I sat in the hospital waiting room, my mind bounced between worrying about my dad and feeling guilty about the work I was missing. My dad was undergoing a heminephrectomy, and I had taken time off to be with him and support my mom. Despite having […]
Using Character Strengths to Manage Stress: A Guide for Physicians
As physicians, we’re no strangers to stress. From the daily demands of our profession to the broader challenges facing our world, it can sometimes feel like we’re constantly swimming against the current. But what if I told you that the key to navigating these choppy waters lies within you? That’s right, the very qualities that […]
Flourishing: A Path to Physician Wellbeing and Fulfillment
For a long time, I believed I had signed up for a life of misery. By accepting my place in medical school, I understood what I was getting into. I knew medical school would be challenging, the hours during residency would be overwhelming, and that the patient always came first in medicine. I was convinced […]
Character Strengths: What are They and How to Use Them
When you meet someone new, how do you introduce yourself? Do you mention your job, your family, or your hobbies? What do you usually share? Many of us often highlight the concrete aspects of our lives, like our professions. This is especially true for doctors, who dedicate a lot of time, effort, and money to […]
Nonclinical Physician: Exploring Career Options
As a physician who has experienced burnout firsthand, I know how hard it can be to find a way out. When I found myself at a crossroads, unsure whether to become a nonclinical physician or find a way to modify my current role, I started an unexpected journey of self-discovery and exploration. Through interviews for […]
Combating Burnout: A Physician’s Story
I didn’t know I was burned out. Unfortunately, I didn’t even realize I wasn’t OK. Looking back, it was obvious. First, I wasn’t sleeping. Second, when I walked to work, I fantasized about disappearing. I thought, “If I keep walking, how long will it take for someone to notice that I didn’t show up to […]
Coaching Physicians: The Power of Finding your Person
The Need for Connection Are you drawn to the “new thing? How often do you get a new iPhone, look at new car models, or update the software you use at work? What drives you to invest in and try new technology? FOMO – the fear of missing out- is real. The desire to keep […]
The Physician’s Burden: How the Physician Mindset Can Make or Break Your Career
Picture this: you’re in the operating room, and a critical error occurs. The patient’s life hangs in the balance, and the weight of the world seems to rest on your shoulders. In that moment, do you take ownership of the mistake, try to hide it, or place the blame on others? As a physician, you […]
Physician Leaders: Transforming Healthcare
When you think of a leader, who comes to mind? What qualities do they possess? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Can you picture yourself in a leadership role? In today’s culture, leaders are often loud, dynamic and outgoing. However, this leadership style does not work for everyone, and you do not have to be […]
Imposter Syndrome in Physicians: Understanding the Causes and Finding Solutions
I had the same dream again. In it, I was called to the Dean’s office and told there was a mistake in the admissions process. They said I didn’t actually meet the qualifications for medical school. They apologized and told me I’d have to pack up my things and reapply after improving my application. I […]
Finding Balance: Physician Burnout and Fulfillment
As I walked home from work, I felt a mix of emotions. I went to work a little before 7:00 AM and walked out of the building well after sunset. During the time I was at work I didn’t stop. I ate lunch at my computer and read 3 times the average number of echocardiograms […]
The Power of Character Strengths for Physicians
Twenty years ago, as a quiet first-year medical student, I never imagined how my struggles in small group sessions would shape my future career as a physician, coach, and teacher. Today, I use that experience to help other physicians discover and leverage their unique character strengths. Let’s start with a story from my medical school […]
Effective Study Strategies for Medical Students: From Struggling to Thriving
My Medical School Struggle: A Personal Story It has been nearly 30 years since I started medical school, but I remember my first semester well. As someone who struggled initially as a first-year medical student, I can relate to the overwhelming feeling many first-year students are experiencing right now. Trust me, I’ve been there! I […]
Physician Dog Ownership: Rediscovering Balance and Values
Physician Dog Ownership: Rediscovering Balance and Values in Medicine “I have two puppies left but plan to keep one as a show dog.” As I listened to the breeder talk about her plans, I stood in the middle of a puppy pile. One puppy attached himself to my shoelaces and remained that way for my […]
Emotional Intelligence: A Solution to Physician Burnout and Stress
What is the relationship between emotional intelligence and physician burnout? As a physician, you are no stranger to the demands and stresses of the medical profession. Long hours, high-pressure situations, and the constant need to balance patient care with administrative tasks can take a toll on even the most resilient individuals. This is where the […]
The Transformative Journey of Medical Education: A Guide for First-Years
Welcome, first-year medical students, to the beginning of your extraordinary medical education journey! As an experienced physician and medical educator, I am thrilled to guide you through the transformative experience of medical education. You are embarking on a path that will shape your professional identity and profoundly impact your personal growth. The Essence of Medical […]
Healing and Profits: Addressing Moral Injury and Physician Burnout
The Physician’s Calling vs. The Reality in Healthcare How are moral injury, burnout, and the Hippocratic Oath related? The white coat ceremony is a tradition in modern medical education. Early in their medical education, medical students recite a modern version of the Hippocratic Oath. This rite of passage is the symbolic start of the transformative […]
Emotional Intelligence in Healthcare
Healthcare is a pressure cooker. To offset the intense work environment, teamwork is necessary for healthcare provider well-being and optimal patient outcomes. Healthcare teams are unique because they consist of individuals with different training and backgrounds. However, each person shares the same goal: providing excellent patient care. Given the long hours and high stakes, healthcare […]
Gold Medal Mindset: How Physicians Can Think Like Champions
As physicians, we face immense challenges and pressures in our careers. To thrive in today’s complex healthcare environment, it’s crucial to develop the right mindset – one that embraces growth, resilience, and continuous improvement. Although for different reasons than physicians, Olympic athletes also face immense pressure. Several gold medal-winning athletes have shared how success in […]
Coach, Therapist, Mentor, or Advisor?
In today’s fast-paced world, physicians need guidance and support. Whether it is for personal or professional development, physicians turn to individuals who possess the knowledge and experience to help them navigate through challenges. The terms coach, therapist, mentor, and advisor are often used interchangeably. They each serve unique roles with different purposes and methodologies. Understanding […]
Moral Injury in Physicians: Well-being in Healthcare
Moral Injury in Physicians In the complex, fast-paced world of healthcare, physicians face numerous challenges, from demanding work schedules to the emotional toll of patient care. Yet, one less-discussed challenge with profound implications for their well-being is the alignment (or misalignment) of personal values with those of the healthcare system, a dilemma that health care […]
The Power of Choice to Prevent Physician Burnout and Boost Job Satisfaction
As a physician working in a complex healthcare system, it’s easy to feel stuck and like you have no options. However, physicians makes choices everyday that impact their career and well-being. Even within the constraints of the medical field, where autonomy feels limited, these daily choices profoundly impact physician well-being! Embracing the power of choice […]
Tips for Completing Medical School Secondary Applications
As a premedical student, one of the most crucial steps in your journey to becoming a doctor is the medical school application process. After submitting your primary application, many schools require you to complete secondary applications, which consist of additional essay questions. This blog aims to help you navigate the world of medical school secondary […]
Signs Physicians Are Ready for Coaching
Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed in your medical career? Do you find yourself struggling to integrate your personal and professional life? Are you a successful clinician who feels like something is lacking? Or, perhaps, you are simply unhappy in your current position but feel guilty about feeling unhappy because you are outwardly successful. Many […]
The Importance of Physician Vacation Time: A Key to Wellness and Career Satisfaction
Physicians face unprecedented levels of stress and burnout in today’s demanding healthcare environment. One often overlooked but crucial factor in maintaining physician wellness is the ability to take genuine, uninterrupted vacation time. However, recent studies have shown alarming trends in how physicians approach time off, with significant implications for their well-being and patient care. The […]
Advice for Resident Physicians
Congratulations to all the new resident physicians starting their exciting journey on July 1! As you embark on this new chapter, it’s important to approach residency with the right mindset and strategies to thrive both professionally and personally. Four tips for resident physicians during training. Embrace a growth mindset. Remember that residency is a time […]
Medical School Secondary Applications: How to Answer Questions About Diversity and Cultural Competency
The medical school application process is a multi-step journey that requires dedication, planning, and self-reflection. It begins with the primary application, which is submitted through a centralized service such as AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). In the primary applicaiton, applicants provide their personal information, academic records, and a personal statement. After the primary application […]
How Physicians Can Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of staying present and aware in the current moment. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, physicians can better cope with stress and prevent burnout. There are many ways physicians can incorporate the practice of mindfulness into their daily routines. Some simple daily […]
Mastering Time and Energy: A Physician’s Guide
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of healthcare, where time is as valuable as the services rendered and the energy demanded can often feel limitless, physicians find themselves in an ongoing battle against the clock and their eneryg reserves. The challenges of patient care, continuous education, administrative duties, and personal commitments create a demanding mix that […]
Can AI Give Physicians More Time for Patient Care and Reduce Burnout?
Artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to streamline healthcare administrative tasks, decrease physician burnout, and improve job satisfaction. By automating routine processes, AI can free up valuable time for physicians to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. Let’s explore some specific ways AI can make a difference. Can AI Give Physicians More Time for Patient […]
How to Answer the Interview Question: “Why Did You Apply to Our Medical School?”
When preparing for your medical school interview, one of the most common questions you are likely to be asked is “Why did you apply to our medical school?” This question may seem straightforward, but crafting a thoughtful and genuine response can set you apart from other premedical students. Here are some tips on how to […]
Leadership Coaching: Are Leaders Born or Made?
One of the age-old debates in the field of leadership is whether leaders are born or if they are made through a combination of experience and education. While some individuals may naturally possess certain leadership traits, it is generally accepted that leadership skills can be nurtured and developed over time. Experience and coaching play a […]
Mastering the Interview: Essential Skills for Every Aspiring Doctor
Entering the medical field, whether you’re a fresh-faced premed, a motivated medical student, a hardworking resident, or an experienced physician looking for new opportunities, involves a pivotal step that many take for granted : the interview. Learning interview skills is an essential part of your career development. In this blog, we’ll explore interview skills, from […]
Physician Burnout: The Power of Mindfulness
Physician burnout is a significant issue in the healthcare, with surveys showing that over 50% of physicians experience burnout symptoms. This trend affects healthcare professionals’ well-being and negatively impacts patient care and overall healthcare system functionality. One significant contributing factor to physician burnout is the high-stress environment in which they work. The demands of the […]
How to Write Stand Out Medical School Secondary Essays
Applying to medical school can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to completing medical school secondary essays. These applications often contain specific questions that require thoughtful and well-crafted responses. These applications require premedical students to answer specific essay questions designed to help admissions committees get to know you better and understand why you […]
Ace Your Medical School Admission Interview
The medical school admissions interview is a pivotal step in the application process. Interviewing is a skill. Many medical school applicants preparing for their med school interview overlook the importance of developing those skills. In this blog, we’ll explore interview skills, from the basics, like making eye contact, to the subtleties of answering complex ethical […]
Medical School Personal Statement Writing Tips
The path to becoming a doctor consists of several milestones. One of the most important is the medical school application. The application has several required components: background information, letters of reference, a work and activities section, your transcript, and a personal statement. Of these sections, the medical school admissions personal statement is unique. It’s your […]
Fostering a Growth Mindset in Medical Education
In medical education, it is essential to instill a growth mindset in students. A growth mindset emphasizes that talents and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. A fixed mindset, by contrast, sees these traits as inherent and unchangeable. Can a growth mindset be taught? There are several ways to teach a growth […]
Understanding Your Communication Style on Medical Teams
Have you ever left a conversation, felt unheard, or wondered, “What just happened?” Chances are your conversation partner felt the same way. To be an effective communicator, it is important to understand your preferred communication style and the preferred style of those you work with. Effective communication is essential for medical professionals to ensure optimal […]
Physician Burnout- 9 Driving Factors
Physicians are burned out. They are committed professionals who work tirelessly to care for their patients. However, they also face various challenges that affect their physical and mental well-being. Despite these obstacles, they continue to provide quality care and positively impact people’s lives. By recognizing and addressing the issues contributing to physician burnout, we can […]
Preparing for the MCAT: Tips and Strategies for Success
Do you have a Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) study plan? The MCAT is a required component of all medical school applications in the United States. This standardized multiple-choice computer-based exam has been part of the medical school admissions process for over 90 years. It tests the knowledge and skills considered a prerequisite for success […]
Premedical Student Research and Medical School Applications
Are you a premedical student considering applying to medical school but wondering if research experience is necessary for acceptance? The short answer is no, but it can definitely help. Based on available data from previous application cycles, 60% of medical school applicants participate in research. Research experience can boost your application, but it is not […]
Seamless Transition from Medical School to Residency: A Guide
Transitioning from medical school to residency is a critical step in the life of a physician. Every year on July 1st, thousands of new doctors begin residency and suddenly transition from being students to medical decision-makers. It’s widely recognized that this transition is one of the most stressful times in medical training. Changes to medical […]
Undergraduate Plan for Premedical Students
If you’re an undergraduate premedical student interested in pursuing a career in medicine, you may wonder what steps you should take to prepare yourself for the journey ahead. As a pre-med student, there are several things you can do to set yourself up for success. Here are some tips to help you plan your undergraduate […]
Oaths, Medicine, and Moral Injury
The White Coat Ceremony is a tradition in modern medical education created in 1993 by the Arnold P. Gold Foundation. During the ceremony, first-year medical students are garbed in the white coat and take the Hippocratic Oath. They pledge to put the patient’s needs first, minimize suffering, accept each patient in a nonjudgmental and equitable […]
10 Steps to Become a Doctor: A Comprehensive Guide
Becoming a doctor is a fantastic accomplishment. Practicing medicine is a privilege. As physicians, we have the opportunity to serve our patients and make a difference.The road from aspiring to be a doctor to a practicing physician is long. It requires hard work, perseverance, and sacrifice. Most importantly- it requires a plan. This blog describes […]
Strategies for Avoiding Physician Burnout: A Comprehensive Guide
Physician burnout and well-being have gained a lot of attention since the outbreak of COVID-19. The ongoing crisis has led to various studies and articles about the importance of physician resilience and the consequences of physician burnout. Burnout is a syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment resulting from chronic, unaddressed workplace […]
4 Essential Habits of Highly Effective Healthcare Teams
In healthcare, delivering high-quality care requires a well-functioning team. In this blog post, we’ll explore the four essential habits that can help your team function at a high level. Teams develop habits that allow them to perform at a high level. Whether it’s an outpatient clinic or an operating room, a team of skilled healthcare […]
Beyond the White Coat: Non-Clinical Career Paths for Physicians
Have you considered a non-clinical career? When you think of a physician, you probably envision someone wearing a white coat and holding a stethoscope. It’s a common perception to associate doctors with a clinical setting, as most physicians work in clinical practice after completing their training. However, more than 25% of practicing physicians consider non-clinical […]
Effective Decision-Making for Doctors: Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix
Decision-making and problem-solving are essential parts of a physician’s role. Making decisions in a fast-paced clinical environment, with high expectations for perfection, is challenging. The delivery of healthcare is a team effort, and decision-making often requires consensus, which takes time. As the team’s de facto leader, physicians must utilize a systematic approach to prioritize and […]
Three Steps to Planning a Medical Career
Medical Career Planning After years of structured education – from undergraduate studies through medical school and residency – many physicians feel adrift as they navigate their professional lives post-training. To address this common challenge, a simple three-step framework can help physicians at any stage find success and fulfillment. This approach guides medical professionals in setting […]
Four Ways to Practice Gratitude in Medicine
Does Practicing Gratitude in Medicine help? Physicians work in an increasingly challenging environment. Consider the following recent headlines: “The tripledemic has brought back peak COVID fears and social tension.” “Congressional budget will cut Medicare reimbursement for physicians.” “Report: Hospitals face worst year financially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, jeopardizing access to patient […]
Coaching for Quiet Quitting in Medicine
Quiet quitting is having a moment. Headlines like “ Is Quiet Quitting real?”, “When Quiet quitting is worse than the real thing” and “Quiet Quitting is a Fake Trend” have popped up regularly on social media and news feed. This trend has impacted all professions, including healthcare. Understanding what quiet quitting is, its causes, and […]
Emotional Intelligence in Medicine
Have you ever said something during rounds you wished you could take back or failed to recognize a brewing interpersonal conflict before it exploded? You are not alone! Medicine is practiced in teams. Due to their education and training, physicians are the de facto team leaders. It is assumed that their academic credentials will make […]
Advisors, Mentors, and Coaches in Medicine
Do you know the difference between advisors, mentors, and coaches? Medical training and practice are complex. It sometimes feels like following an unmarked, winding path without a map or GPS. Students, residents, and practicing physicians rely upon outside guidance to navigate the system’s complexities and for personal and professional development. That guidance can come from […]
