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...
I didn’t know I was burned out. Unfortunately, I didn’t even realize I wasn’t OK. Looking back, it was obvious. First, I wasn’t sleeping. Second, when I walked to work, I fantasized about disappearing. I thought, “If I keep walking, how long will...
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....
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 p...
When you think of a leader, who comes to mind? What qualities do they possess? What are their strengths and weaknesses? Can you picture yourself in a leadership role? In today’s culture, leaders are often loud, dynamic and outgoing. However, this l...
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 t...
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 numbe...
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 le...
My Medical School Struggle: A Personal Story It has been nearly 30 years since I started medical school, but I remember my first semester well. As someone who struggled initially as a first-year medical student, I can relate to the overwhelming feel...
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...
