So far, in the current blog series, I have explained why I have changed my mind about resident progress and evaluation transparency. I have also offered a series of questions programs can utilize to improve the gaps (as I see them) that may exist. Today I want to provide a reminder of why it matters – which boils primarily down to psychological safety.

Psychological safety is a concept that gets more attention than it once did, and rightly so. A psychologically safe environment...

Last week, I gave a few personal case studies on what led me to change my mind about full transparency regarding resident progress. The perspective-taking outcome from that has given me a new lens and a different way of viewing this difficult topic.  This week, I want to unpack it a little more.

The ACGME mandates programs to have a Clinical Competency Committee (CCC) with at least three members, one of which is a core faculty member. They are tasked with reviewing each resident...

I do like a good milestone. So, while I may or may not make any resolutions for the New Year, I think it’s important to pause, reflect, and refine. This year I used Sahil Bloom’s annual review. The first question was, “What did you change your mind about this year?”

At first glance, I wondered, “Did I actually change my mind about anything?” But, just like anytime we give our brains space to answer and reject the initial “I don’t...

This week we conclude the series of a more robust understanding of resiliency in medicine. This week we turn our attention to early warning systems and a couple of unique and cool components. 

For the past two weeks, we looked at your resources – what you have and what you need that is within your control or influence (this includes the organizational responsibility in this process), and the usage of those resources – the intentionally placed, the...

This week we continue the series on a fuller understanding of resiliency in medicine. Last week, we looked at your resources – what you have and what you need that is within your control or influence and when to adjust. Today, we will look at the usage of those resources – the intentionally placed, the over-committed, and the waste.

We will continue using the model of a dam provided by Dr. Kemia Sarraf of Lodestar Trauma Coaching – with its reservoir...

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We are in the middle of a series of fresh perspectives on resiliency in medicine. Last week, I started you on a resiliency self-evaluation using Dr. Kemia Serraf’s model of a dam system. This week, we are continuing to audit your ability to snap back after daily challenges, including unexpected ones.

Let's define resiliency more fully once again: Being in a resource-rich environment that allows you to...

We are finishing out 2022 with a series taking a fresh look at resiliency. Last week, I gave both an overview and a framework. The model developed by Dr. Kemia Serraf of Lodestar Trauma-Informed Coaching provides a beautiful analogy of a dam to this systemic process of resilience.  This week, I’m offering a look at a couple of the components, taking a bit of creative license, and walking you through a self-evaluation process.

The reservoir created by the dam...

We all know that the term and concept of resilience have been used against physicians (and other healthcare workers) in recent years. The implication was that a lack of fortitude on behalf of physicians was the cause of burnout and moral injury. We all know that burnout is an occupational issue, not a mental health condition. And that moral injury is the result of feeling we have to practice in a way that goes against our core values. 

Resilience is the ability to withstand...

I was so grateful to chat with Dr. Megan Melo about coaching in academic family medicine. Listen here.