Finding Joy in the Journey of this Medical Career

TLDR at bottom* 

The Challenge of Staying Engaged in Medicine

There’s no doubt that practicing medicine is rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. Between administrative burdens, long hours, and the emotional weight of patient care, at times, it’s easy to feel disconnected from the joy that once drew us to this field. Many physicians—residents and faculty alike—struggle with burnout and question whether they’re making the impact they hoped for.

So, how do we reconnect with what truly matters? How do we rekindle the joy?

Because our brains often prefer all or nothing framing, first, I want highlight this nuance of the nature of Joy from a quote, I believe, is attributed to Madeleine L'Engle. "Joy is not the same thing as pleasure. Indeed, it partakes of difficulties, sadness, sorrow." There will be difficulties, and unpleasant things in our journeys, but that is not mutually exclusive of experiencing Joy!

The Power of Self-Reflection

One of the most effective ways to re-engage is through intentional reflection. When we take a step back to examine our experiences, values, and motivations, we gain clarity on what fuels our passion for medicine. This isn’t about adding another task to your to-do list—it’s about giving yourself permission to pause and reassess.

This can be set up with carving out 5 minutes each weekend, or a nighly practice, or a weekend getaway where you go off the grid for a few hours to reflect and write. Do what works best for you. 

There is great data on 15 nights of a gratefulness practice where you aim to write about 3 things that went well and your role in making them happen and one feeling you have reflecting on those, just before bedtime. 

A simple framework to start:

• What moments in your work bring you the most energy?
• When do you feel most aligned with your purpose?
• What aspects of your current role drain you the most?
• If you get stuck and think - I don't ever enjoy my job - think back over the last week or month. When did you feel good about a patient interaction. Write about it. What was it that you did to contribute to that interaction. How can you create more of that?

My favorite self-administered workshop for intentionally discovering your purpose is covered in a previous blog. 

Coaching as a Tool for Reconnection

Coaching provides a structured way to explore these questions in a meaningful way. Instead of focusing solely on external challenges, coaching helps shift the perspective inward—toward your strengths, values, and vision for your career. Through coaching, many physicians rediscover the aspects of medicine that bring them joy, helping them craft a career that feels both sustainable and fulfilling.

If you’re a faculty member, coaching can also be a transformative tool for guiding your trainees. Encouraging them to articulate their goals and challenges fosters both professional growth and a deeper sense of ownership over their learning journey. I wrote more about a coaching approach for faculty in a previous blog.

Small Shifts, Big Impact

You don’t need a dramatic career overhaul to find joy again. Sometimes, small, intentional changes make all the difference. Consider:

• Adjusting your schedule to allow more time for patient interactions that energize you.
• Asking for what you need, and playing the long game to get it - progress over perfection. 
• Taking micro-rejuvination breaks - take a 10 minute walk at lunch even though "you're so behind"  or eat in the breakroom for 10 minutes without looking at a device. Focus on enjoying your food or talking to a co-worker. (You'll be amazed at what can happen).
• Carving out time, setting boundaries, to make small meaningful progress on that project at work you wanted to do. Read more about how to do that.
• Cultivating more of the clinical encounters you find particularly rewarding. Internally market (let your staff and colleagues know you enjoy women's health or children with disabilities, or whatever it is) and externally make it known. 
• Intentionally influencing the culture and creating more connections at work. 
• Seeking out a mentor or peer support to process challenges.
• Identifying one area where you’d like to grow and setting a small, achievable goal.
• Learning a new skill or taking on a new role - maybe adding some medical student lectures in or taking on a leadership role. 

Final Thoughts

Medicine is a demanding profession, but that doesn’t mean joy and fulfillment have to take a backseat. By making space for reflection and seeking support through coaching, you can reconnect with the reasons you chose this path in the first place.

Reflection Question: What’s one small change you could make this week to bring more joy into your work?

I'd love to hear what you try out and what works best for you!

Until next time, have a joy-filled week!  Tonya

PS. If you're considering having your own personal coach - reach out. 

*TLDR

• Practicing medicine is rewarding but can also be exhausting, leading to burnout and disconnection.
• Self-reflection helps identify what energizes and drains you in your work.
• Coaching offers a structured way to reconnect with your values and make intentional career shifts.
• Small changes—like adjusting your schedule, seeking mentorship, or setting growth goals—can have a big impact.
• You don’t need a drastic overhaul; small, intentional tweaks can help you find joy in medicine again.