This week we continue the series on a fuller understanding of resiliency in medicine. Last week, we looked at your resources (including what your organization supplies)– 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...

We are in the middle of a series of fresh perspectives on resiliency in medicine in which the entire system is considered - not just an individuals. 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. Do you have your pen and paper or digital writing device?

Let's define resiliency more fully once...

We are starting out 2024 with a series taking a fresh look at resiliency. Last week, I gave both an overview demonstrating how resiliency is better seen from a system view 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...

We all know that the term and concept of resilience have felt as if it's 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...

(Original post 7/21, updated 12/23)

This is the last post of a 5-part series on change, transition, and transformation. 

Today we look at a tool you can use to challenge your beliefs – especially those you want to change. What are the things you would like to believe about yourself? What are the results you want? Who do you want to be no matter the circumstance you face?  How do you want to show up – in your practice, in your relationships, in the world? 

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This month's vlog is about knowing the anatomy of typical change and transition so you can normalize the difficult parts.  More tips in my 5 part blog series - the final in the series comes out next week. 

Learn how the Joy in Family Medicine Hybrid Coaching Program can help your residency program here.

(Original post 6/21, update 12/23)

It's the beginning of a New Year. Positive intentions for change are in the air. This week we take our Changes and Transitions blog, one step further…to Transformation.  The words Change, Transition, and Transformation are often interchanged, but I want to offer a different take. Psychologists such as Dr. William Bridges and other social scientists have studied and clarified the differences. 

Change relates to behaviors...

(Updated 12/23, original post 6/21)

This week, we continue our look at changes and transitions we face throughout our careers and personal lives. Last week we looked at proactive changes you want to make. This week we look at transition to all changes, including those you didn't necessarily ask for or want.  

Transition can be defined as the psychological adaptation to change.

What changes are you undergoing (whether by choice or not)? How are you adapting? 

There are so many good...

(Original Post 6/21, updated 12/23)

Over the next few of weeks, we will review changes and transitions. Throughout a career in medicine, we face many of those. Today we are going to focus on changes related to you. 

Change can be defined as doing things differently, taking new approaches, seeking something new and/or different in yourself.

Reflect just a minute on your life and career. Make a couple of lists.

What changes do you desire?

What changes are you...

Two weeks ago, we looked at issues around making personal decisions, and last week we addressed targeting those issues around procrastination. This week, I will offer tools and strategies compiled from many mentors and sources that I have found helpful over the years. 

Kristina Guo, Chair of the Division of Public Administration at the University of Hawaii, designed the DECIDE model for healthcare managers. The anacronym breaks the process down to (1) D = define the problem,...