A Nostalgic Look at the Traditional Family Doctor During my childhood, I saw a good, old-fashioned family doctor, Dr. Wiedemeyer. Dr. Wiedemeyer worked closely with his dedicated nurse, Dolores. I clearly remember sitting in his waiting room on tho...
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 ta...
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 naviga...
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...
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 f...
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....
Hello-I hope this email finds you well! I looked at your burnout inventory quiz results and noticed that your scores for emotional exhaustion were high.You are not alone! This is a common challenge faced by physicians! Here are a few tips that have...
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...
Dear , Can you believe it is nearly September? The first and second year medical students are already a week into the new semester and the streets of Iowa City are full of college students again! I love the energy and vibe of this time of year....
What do Olympians and physicians have in common? Hint: It is NOT our skills on the balance beam or pommel horse (unless you happen to be a physician and Olympic Gymnast!)The answer: our mindsets. Even though physicians and Olympic athletes face diffe...
