Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

Physician Wellness R E A D : Becoming Whole As A Physician And A Person: Finding Your Why Throughout your medical education you have been primarily focused on the question of “how” to be a doctor: facts to memorize, techniques to learn, procedures to follow. What is increasingly obvious is how the “why” of medicine has been lost in training, leading to pervasive rates of burnout throughout all specialties. But like any other public health threat, there is hope on the horizon. Governing organizations such as the ACGME are recognizing this foundational shift and are taking strides to correct it. Common program requirements now include specific language regarding, and an emphasis on, resident and physician wellbeing. While having requirements and guidelines is helpful, cultural change often moves at a glacial pace. In order for these changes to take root, seeds have to be planted. The best place to find those seeds are to harvest them fromwithin: Revisit your own personal “why”. What were the reasons you became a physician? Are they still the same? What gives you meaning every day? How do you build relationships with your patients, your partners, your family, with yourself? Will this sound corny to some? Sure. Does this lie at the heart of the “art” of medicine? Absolutely! Respected organizations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholars Program and the New England Journal of Medicine have reported extensively on the importance of physicians finding their “why” (12) not just as clinicians, but as leaders, role-models, and whole individuals. In order to be truly well, it is imperative that we remember that the practice of medicine is truly an art grounded in science, and we are all artists with different abilities, mediums, and inspirations. Take time for yourself to find your muse; I guarantee the journey and time spent will be well worth it. 63 WWW.PHYSICIANCAREERPLANNING.COM