Work/Life Balance

When it comes to their careers and the future of their profession, physicians have a lot to say. Here's a sampling of such comments, directed at their families and our nation's political leaders.

Maggie Kozel, MD, on how perverse incentives and modern life are destroying a sacred relationship. And how to get it back.

Why physician Katharina Scharruhn thinks about the public's view of doctors and the image she wishes they would see as diametrically opposed.

Work-life balance is important for both sexes, but women may strive for it in a way men realize is unrealistic.

Temporary tattoo monitors vital signs; chocolate helps boost your workout; accepting gifts as a physician; and more.

We surveyed hundreds of American physicians on everything from their views on politics and public policy to their sense of professional satisfaction to how well they’re taking care of themselves physically and emotionally. You’re juggling so many demands on your time. How are you holding up?

Creating a personal financial plan means making sure your spending is sustainable over the long term

Are you always saying yes to every request? Here’s how to find the fine point between professional obligations and personal priorities.

What are the most important elements for you in making time both for medicine and for your family?

Practices achieve greatness by focusing on key attributes that allow for financial prosperity, professional growth for staff, satisfied patients, and continuous improvement of operations.

Breathing methods can equip patients to handle stress without reaching for pills.

If you’re on the job hunt, there’s a new, recently unveiled tool that can make the job search more accessible to you.

Perhaps it is time to look at balancing work-life issues in a more creative manner rather than forcing physicians into either/or decisions.

Sometimes where you practice has as much to do with the length of your workday as what’s going on in your practice.

Noteworthy items from Physicians Practice

I thought I’d identified most of the barriers to achieving work-life balance. However, I recently was reintroduced to another one that can also pervade the medical community.

I’m doing something tonight that I try hard not to do. …I didn’t finish my charting at work, so am doing it at home.

As healthcare providers, the notion of disconnecting from work seems completely strange, but a sign that our profession and culture is changing.

What our patients are sometimes asking when they ask for a medication change or dose increase is a different type of help altogether - the type of counseling and wisdom and gentle prodding that we, as physicians, are able to offer but too often do not.

Being a physician is rewarding - but it can take a toll on your personal life. Here are some of the best ways to release a little steam to avoid total burnout.

So often, experts tell us what to do and how to do it. But much of the time we already know what the right thing is because we feel it, we sense it.

The organization for which I currently work has a very clear and well-communicated mission ... I respect the organization for not trying to do it all, but instead focusing on a single thing that they think they can do better than anyone else.

Unlike specialties that require completion of fellowship, the specialty of the internist hospitalist doesn't require constant repetition of mechanical procedures and the learning of technological devices. Rather, the internist specializes in the pathophysiology of the sick human being in all its manifestations, many of which can occur simultaneously

Historically, the demands of being a physician have resulted in generations of physicians who were excellent clinicians but lousy spouses and parents. This is a generalization and many physicians, young and old, have been able to balance home and work demands and perform well at both.

The process of medical education and training often required neglect of many other areas including hobbies, interests, and other pursuits. Now that we are doctors, it can be difficult to rediscover long dormant dreams or develop new ones.

Whether the thought of public performance feedback makes you excited or anxious, you may want to check your performance scores. They could be playing a larger role in your work life than you think.

Are your docs overstressed? Join the club. But there are things you can do to help prevent your physicians from becoming jaded.

It’s no wonder that physicians have such a difficult time achieving work-life balance. We were brought up in a system that defies the very concept.

How often are physicians recommending mobile apps to their patients as tools for improving their health?

The more time we save presumably, the more time we have to spend at work or at home. But I’m not sure all of the new technology I’m using will save time, even with increased use.