In this episode, Kevin Whitsell speaks with Kristine Kapow, a PA and former paramedic, about her journey in emergency medicine, the emotional toll of the profession, and the importance of maintaining humanity in patient care. They discuss the challenges of compassion fatigue, decision fatigue, and the impact of personal experiences on professional practice. Kristine shares her coping mechanisms, including the significance of physical fitness and mental health strategies, while emphasizing the need for support within healthcare teams. The conversation concludes with Kristine's advice on navigating the complexities of working in emergency medicine.

Takeaways:

• Kristine's journey into emergency medicine began with a personal experience of a family medical emergency.
• Maintaining a sense of humanity in patient care is crucial, especially in high-stress situations.
• Compassion fatigue is a common challenge for healthcare professionals, impacting their ability to care for patients.
• Physical fitness plays a significant role in mental health and coping with the demands of healthcare work.
• Decision fatigue can lead to burnout, making it essential to prioritize self-care and support.
• The transition from EMS to PA offers new opportunities and challenges in patient care.
• Team support is vital in healthcare, providing a safety net for professionals during tough cases.
• Coping mechanisms, such as visualization and physical activity, can help manage stress and trauma.
• Healthcare professionals often carry emotional burdens from their experiences, impacting their practice.
• It's important to remember that not every situation is as serious as it may seem in the moment.

Connect with Kristine: https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinekapow?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

⁨@KristineKapow⁩

Chapters :

00:00 Introduction and Personal Connection to Medicine

02:44 The Journey into Emergency Medicine

05:29 The Importance of Humanity in Healthcare

07:52 Challenges of Repeated Patient Encounters

13:49 Emotional Costs of Medical Profession

20:18 The Power of Presence in Difficult Situations

24:47 Decision Fatigue in Healthcare

31:19 Navigating Day-to-Day Challenges in EMS

31:47 Navigating Career Transitions in Healthcare

39:45 The Challenges of Compassion Fatigue

46:09 Dealing with Trauma and PTSD in Healthcare

53:37 Strategies for Mental Health and Resilience