Feeling Seen: When Doctors Read—and Write—Their Own Stories
We are all carrying stories. The bravest thing we can do is tell them.
Doctors Don’t Ask For Help - But We Should
One of my amazing former adult emergency medicine colleagues used to teach his learners about "loading the boat…"
Ending the Academic Year Strong: Finding Time Confetti and Letting Go of the Guilt
Let’s talk about how to harness the next three months…
Beyond the Checklist: Reframing the Yearly Evaluation
This isn’t just another evaluation; it’s your chance to control the narrative of your career.
Stepping Into the Light: A Spring Awakening for the Weary Physician
At first, it feels like a trick. But after a couple of days, the sunlight is still there, and I start to get used to it: bright and warm, stretching the day just a little further.
What would happen if I let it stretch me, too?
Lies My Brain Tells Me Part 4: “It’ll Be Too Hard”
The energy required to suppress our aspirations often exceeds what we'd need to pursue them.
Lies My Brain Tells Me Part 3: It Won’t Be That Bad
“It’s no big deal. I can figure it out. It won’t be that bad.” Yeah, right.
Lies My Brain Tells Me Part 2: It’s Not Good Enough
If I took the time to pay attention, I bet I think almost all of my ideas aren’t good enough, won’t work, aren’t worth it, or are dumb.
Lies My Brain Tells Me Part 1: It Will Always Be This Way
“It will always be like this” is usually a signal of catastrophizing, but also a great example of all-or-nothing thinking.
From Winter to Spring: Burnout and Depression in Medicine
It’s incredible how much can change in a week.
The Worried Well: Making Room for Worry in Troubled Times
How do you make room for worry if it isn’t going away?
Eyebrows and Autopilot: Small Wins for Big Weeks
In medicine, we hold ourselves to exceptionally high standards when it comes to caring for patients but then fail to hold ourselves to any standard when it comes to caring for ourselves.
Beyond the Teeter-Totter: Finding Harmony Between Career and Family
How do we create the feeling that there’s enough time and effort for everything, even when one aspect of our lives seems to be beckoning us to an extreme?
How Cal Newport Would Conquer Holiday Work Stress
If there were one person I’d want as a mentor, it’s Cal Newport. While I can't claim to know precisely how he'd approach the festive season, here’s my take on how his principles could be applied to conquer holiday work stress…
The Power of Perspective: How Reframing Your 2024 Story Can Change Your 2025
As you reflect on 2024, consider taking a more intentional approach to telling your story – one that empowers you and sets the stage for a fulfilling year ahead.
It’s Cliche, But It’s Important: Burned Out Physicians, Let’s Give Gratitude
Admittedly, one of my colleagues was figuratively tarred and feathered by (likely burned out) members of her own division when she suggested what I’m about to tell you…