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 con...
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....
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 an...
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 State...
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 t...
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 goo...
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...
“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 sur...
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...
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...
