I didn’t know I was burned out. Unfortunately, I didn’t even realize I wasn’t OK. Looking back, it was obvious. I wasn’t sleeping. When I walked to work, I fantasized about disappearing. I thought, “If I keep walking, how long will it take for some...
As physicians, we’ve been taught that hard work and long hours are the hallmarks of a successful medical career. The relentless pursuit of productivity becomes our daily grind, often at the expense of our well-being. But is this truly the path to pr...
As a physician and coach who has worked with hundreds of doctors, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the relentless pursuit of perfection in medicine can crush the spirits of even the most talented physicians.. Today, let’s have an honest conversation abo...
Do you see yourself as a physician leader? You went through medical training to care for patients. Yet here you are in a position you may not have anticipated. Whether you realize it or not, as a physician, you are a leader. Every day, you’re balan...
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...
