The Daily Reality of Medical Practice I struggled to detach the pager from my scrub pants. It was a never-ending battle between the force of gravity, the 3 pagers clipped to the scrub pants waistband, and the pants drawstring. I didn’t have much confidence in the drawstring. I pulled the pants up with one hand, […]
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 […]
The smell of simmering clam chowder still takes me back to my grandparent’s kitchen on Christmas Eve. As a physician who has spent countless holidays on call, I’ve learned that these cherished family traditions aren’t just childhhood memories—they’re lifelines that help us maintain our humanity in the demanding world of medicine. Roots of Tradition: Growing […]
The holiday season is upon us, and finding the perfect gift ideas for the physician in your life can be both exciting and challenging. Physicians are superheroes in white coats, dedicating their lives to caring for others. But even heroes need a little something to help them unwind and maintain a healthy balance between their […]
Embracing Calm Amidst Global and Healthcare Turmoil Chaos is all around us. Every time I watch the news, check my phone, or look at my email, it feels like there’s a new crisis happening and that everything could fall apart at any moment. The usual stresses of today’s world are overwhelming on their own. When […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
