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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
