Today, an excerpt from my latest book, Recapturing Joy in Medicine, was published on KevinMD.com. The excerpt is from chapter 4, which is titled “Leading from Full Hearts.” In this chapter, I share personal stories that highlight the importance of investing in yourself throughout your training and career, not only as a leader but especially as a human being. I discuss ways to sharpen those soft skills that encompass our emotional intelligence and include stories (both funny and inspiring) to support an ongoing journey toward wholeness. I express gratitude for the solid foundation of leadership training I received both in residency and in the military, with examples of the tremendous difference this has made over 25 years in medicine. I also discuss what I call the physician leader’s triad, the benefits of a value-centered practice, the gifts and risks of the military mantra “service before self,” and much more.
This book (a practical, interactive coaching manual) is founded upon a 25-year medical career in which I’ve served in multiple leadership roles, learning and growing every step of the way (and still!). I have been blessed with so many exceptional role models over the years, from medical school (Dr. Gingrich, Dr. Davis, and others!) to residency (Dr. Black, Dr. Stumpf, Dr. Vevera, and so many others!) all the way to my active involvement in organized medicine and advocacy at the state and national level. Such a fulfilling career that continues; I am so grateful!
So many physicians and nurses make a difference in people’s lives in small and critical ways every day, and only they know. So often they are unsung heroes with no accolades or fanfare. It’s the nature of our work, with so much empathy, concern, and hope shared between physician and patient, between nurse and patient, and from colleague to colleague. These are the moments that make the work meaningful and fill our hearts with joy.
With so many in medicine feeling burned out, neglected, abused, or depressed, my hope is to help us take better care of ourselves and become more proactive champions of change while supporting one another in meaningful ways.
I am grateful to my colleague, Dr. Kevin Pho, for publishing an excerpt from my book on his site and for continuing to give a voice to our colleagues. As we all continue to work together, we will create healthier communities for our patients and for the medical professionals who sacrifice so much to care for others with compassion and excellence.
Here is the excerpt published on KevinMD to share with our colleagues and families; we’re all in this together! And a Happy Father’s Day to fathers and grandfathers everywhere. Let your loved ones celebrate you this week, and remember to be good to yourself!
