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Joy in Family Medicine – Stories & Reflections

Lessons, lightbulb moments, and honest reflections from life inside and outside medicine - served with a side of perspective.

Tags: relationships

Showing 6 results:


The Bicycle Reflection: Teams
Dr Peter Hawkins and Dr Catherine Carr, sought-after leadership developers and creators of Systemic Team Coaching, used an analogy a couple of weeks ago in our Systemic Teams Practicioner Course that has been very useful to me. When discussing both the purpose and impact of teams, he likened them...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 11, 2025 accountability adaptability alignment coaching cohesion collaboration connection context coordination design dynamics function high performance impact integration intentionality interdependence leadership optimization organization purpose relational intelligence relationships structure synergy systemic thinking systems thinking team development teamwork transformation value creation
Seat Swapping Story and Reflection
During our 30th anniversary trip, we explored new locales and discovered fantastic small restaurants that locals were trying hard to keep off TripAdvisor. One such gem was in Mainz, a cozy outdoor setting with beautiful ivy over the brick walls and around the fencing. If you have ever eaten out w...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 10, 2025 adaptability assessment attention awareness boundaries comfort communication composure decision making empathy experience foresight humor improvisation instinct intuition judgment observation partnership perspective predictability protection relationships restraint risk scenario-reading self-knowledge travel trust uncertainty
Anniversaries and Analogies Reflection
Just prior to marrying the man in this photo (throwback to big hair 😂), his dad handed us an article torn out of a magazine. It used comparative imagery of two rivers coming together to describe marriage. The takeaway gist in my young mind was 1. Don't be shocked by the rapids, which are a natura...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 10, 2025 acceptance adaptation celebration challenge change curiosity emotions endurance evolution forewarning growth imposter syndrome journey marriage metaphor mindset navigation partnership perspective phases preparation reflection relationships resilience self-doubt support transformation transition uncertainty whitewater
Giving Reflection
This week, in the spirit of giving - I invite you to consider who you might gift a unique gift to. The gift of extending positive intent is powerful. I once coached a resident who felt a particular attending "had it out for him." He reviewed the evidence. I asked if there was any other way to see...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 08, 2025 awareness burnout coaching cognitive reframing compassion emotional intelligence empathy gratitude growth insight intent leadership medicine mindset perspective perspective shift positive intent reflection reframing relationships resilience suffering teaching wellness
Growth Reflection
Here's an exercise that I hope you find useful. Think of either past examples that you would define as your best self. Or think of the self you'd like to aspire to be. Now, which of your strengths are you exhibiting? What happens internally for you? How does it impact your relationships? What's o...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 03, 2025 abundance alignment aspiration authenticity awareness development empowerment growth improvement intention mindfulness motivation positivity practice reflection relationships self-compassion self-talk strengths wellbeing
Grief and Gratefulness Reflection
Today, I reflected on a conversation with a colleague about how difficult it is to lose patients to medical conditions. They work with a population of patients who sometimes have terminal conditions. But I saw their pain through a different lens - that of a family member and friend to people who ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 03, 2025 appreciation caregiving comfort compassion connection empathy end-of-life gratitude grief healing honor humanity legacy loss memories palliative physicians presence reflection relationships support terminal trust wellness

Joy in Family Medicine – Stories & Reflections

Lessons, lightbulb moments, and honest reflections from life inside and outside medicine - served with a side of perspective.
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