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