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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: service

Showing 6 results:


The Penstock Paradox
I've been catching up on Lisa Rosenbaum's Not Otherwise Specified podcast series on primary care. https://not-otherwise-specified-podcast.nejm.org/e/when-no-ones-watching/ The final episode is titled When No One's Watching. Near the end, Jonathan Han, a family physician and residency director, ta...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 23, 2026 alignment artistry authenticity balance burnout caring community compassion connection contribution creativity encouragement energy engagement excellence flourishing fulfillment generosity gratidtude humanity impact influence inspiration intentionality joy kindness leadership legacy meaning mentorship motivation presence purpose purpose driven regognition rejuvenation relationships relection renewal resilience restoration service significance stewardship sustainability values wellbeing
The Impact We Don't Always See
I came across a piece from Sahil Bloom not too long ago about the “Stonecutter Principle,” which is so relatable to the work I do. In case you’re not familiar with the story - a quick recap: three stonecutters doing the same work but describing it very differently: cutting stone, building a wall,...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — May 14, 2026 administration awareness burnout caregiving cathedral compassion connection documentation empathy forms fulfillment gratitude growth healing healthcare humanity impact leadership legacy meaning medicine mindset motivation patient care perspective physician purpose purposeful work quality of life reflection reframing relationships resilience service stonecutter storytelling support values
The Award Not Won: Story and Reflection
It’s that season again. Graduation programs. Thank-you speeches. Awards. A flurry of new titles, public praise, and quiet appreciation. We do this because it matters. Recognition is powerful. Appreciation even more so. But in the messiness of human systems, it doesn’t always land how we intend. I...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 27, 2025 acknowledgment alignment appreciation authenticity belonging care celebration community compassion connection contribution encouragement equity gratitude humanity humility impact inclusion integrity leadership mentorship mindfulness presence process purpose recognition reflection service stewardship support systems values visibility well-being
Purpose at the Crossroads: Story and Reflection
It’s at the crossroads—between opportunity and discernment—that purpose gets tested. - A resident deciding between a desired fellowship and staying in a community they love that may not utilize that training. - A faculty member torn between taking on a leadership role or focusing their energy on ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 12, 2025 alignment authenticity boundaries calling clarity decision making discernment growth humility intentionality leadership long-term impact meaning opportunity purpose responsibility self-awareness service sustainability team based leadership timing transition vocation well-being wisdom
The In-Between Reflection
A story with three invitations for you to reflect. A few months ago, a friend asked if I would consider a small part-time role that seemed exciting in some respects and daunting in others. (Plus, the potential to be distracting even). I quickly did the reflex thing that I rarely do - I said, "Of ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 08, 2025 alignment balance boundaries calling centering clarity commitment decision discernment integrity mentorship peace priorities process purpose reflection service surrender waiting wisdom
Extra Mile Reflection
This photo is a throw-back to when my dad had been stuck in his recliner for a couple of days due to severe worsening metastatic bone pain to his hip. It only hurt if he moved his leg. So after scrambling to get the family to be with him, he had a telemedicine visit with his primary care doc who ...
by Dr. Tonya Caylor — Jun 03, 2025 access advocacy caregiving compassion connection dignity empathy gratitude healthcare impact independence joy language mobility paperwork presence service support telemedicine wellbeing

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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