What younger physicians are teaching us about “balance”
Posted by Courtney Rice on Mon, Nov 30, 2009 @ 05:54 PM
By Mark Spiro, M.D.
As an MD who has practiced emergency medicine for a number of years, I've noticed a definite trend regarding many of the younger ED physicians I come across. Many of them can teach us "more seasoned" ED docs a thing or two about life balance.
I'm not just talking about exercising more and getting enough sleep. I'm talking about younger docs who possess a desire to work less and have more variety in life than just moving forward professionally. Their identity is not simply tied to being an emergency physician - I see them take a greater interest in family, physical health and free time than my brethren from an earlier generation.
Us more mature docs initially looked down and viewed it as a weak work ethic. "What could be more important than healing others?" we would say as we pulled another long shift. But eventually a bell went off and we saw their performance and learned from them. At least I have. I truly feel that I can be a better, more caring physician if the "non-working" part of my life is not neglected. We all get strength from outside activities, whether they involve family, religion, recreational activities, hobbies, and travel. All of these activities promote individual wellness which leads to happier more satisfied physicians and more compassionate care for our patients. I know, because I feel it.
But there's still one area in which younger MDs continue to seek my guidance - and that's financial well being. I tell them when they get into their mid 50's they should be working as an ED doc because they want to - because it's a calling, and not because they have a huge house payment every month. I leave them with three rules that I believe in that will enable them to reach this very reasonable goal:
Spend less than you earn
Diversify your investments
Don't get divorced
Seems simple enough - almost too simple. But the key for me has been to dedicate myself to staying within my means. And not forgetting about my health and wellbeing while I'm worrying about everything else. If you're an MD - emergency or not - I'd love to hear how you feel about this topic.