Jeff welcomes to the podcast ophthalmology specialist and physician coach for introverts, Dr. Charity Hix.

Introverts have many traits that make for great physicians. They’re inquisitive, introspective, constantly researching, and thinking things through from multiple angles. While those traits are great for being a physician, the way the healthcare system is organized can make the job of a physician very draining for everyone, but especially introverts.

Introverts tend to regain their energy through solitude, but many specialties in medicine necessitate being around other people often and for long periods. There’s a misconception that introverts don’t like people. That’s not usually true - they just need time alone to recharge and function optimally. As a practicing physician, there isn’t a lot of alone time baked into your day so you have to be proactive in carving out space for yourself to recharge. (Note: Even if we are an extrovert or land somewhere in the middle, recharging to be our best is critical!).

What does Charity suggest we do to recharge?

• Create Self-Awareness. In order to get anywhere, you need to first understand where you currently stand. Whenever you’re doing a specific activity during your workday, take stock of how you feel. Are you engaged, bored, stressed, etc.?
• Take Baby Steps to Adjust. Small changes can create a big impact. Based on how you react to certain situations, be proactive about making incremental changes to your daily routine.
• Communicate Your Needs. Let other people know about your energy needs. Many people will be happy to accommodate you.

Most importantly, PRACTICE recharging to create sustainability!

Guest Bio: Charity Hix, MD

Charity is a physician burnout coach helping introverts in healthcare escape feelings of apathy, irritability, and resentment brought on by the increasing demands and decreasing rewards of medicine.

She uses her 20 years of experience in clinical medicine combined with coaching to help introverts discover ways to be diligent, thoughtful clinicians while prioritizing their needs and protecting their energy. She wants you to know you don’t have to feel guilty for wanting a thriving life inside and outside of medicine.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!

Pump the brakes on your week and take 10 minutes to make your life as a surgeon just a little better…

Jeff welcomes to the podcast orthopaedic surgeon and educator, Alan Reznik, MD.

As surgeon leaders, sometimes it can feel like our employees or members of our team are getting in our way or, even worse, trying to sabotage us. But it’s important to step back and realize that in the vast majority of cases, people are showing up to work intending to do a good job, even if there are barriers in the way that are preventing that from happening.

In general, people work for some combination of three reasons: 1) they love their job, 2) they’re loved by their job, or 3) they have an opportunity to improve themselves. Most people need at least two of these three in order to feel satisfied. To that end, there are actions we as surgeons can take to help our employees feel more satisfied with their jobs.

What steps does Alan suggest we do to help our team members feel satisfied at work?

• 1 - Provide Love. Offer encouragement and cultivate a healthy work environment that employees look forward to participating in.
• 2 - Provide Opportunity. Where able, provide opportunities to your employees. This is especially important if a team member lacks an essential ability or skill.
• 3 - Provide Money. If and when possible, offer your employees a raise. When people are paid well they feel appreciated.

Most importantly, PRACTICE supporting your team with love, opportunity, and money!

Guest Bio:
Dr. Reznik is a practicing orthopaedic surgeon and involved in medical teaching for over 30 years. He is recognized as one of “America’s Top Physicians” by Consumers Research Council of America and named “Top Doc” in Connecticut over 20 times by his orthopaedic surgeon peers, physicians, nurses and patients. He has served on many committees for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons including editorial board of AAOS Now. He has written "The Knee and Shoulder Handbook, the keys to a pain-free and active life" and "I have fallen and I can get up"on fall risks and prevention. An inventor, he holds 8 patents. He has lectured on patient safety, surgical risk reduction and AI development, liability and ethical use.

"It is with the understanding of differing perspectives, combining disciplines, constant collaboration, and an open mind that one achieves the best path forward." Dr. Alan Reznik

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!

Jeff welcomes to the podcast Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH, an orthopaedic surgeon and human at Johns Hopkins University.

As surgeons, creating understanding and make strong connections with our patients can lead to better oucomes. Often, our patients want to better understand us too. When we have communication with mutual understanding, everyone benefits.

Knowng our patients beyond their medical condition can be an effective tool to ease any nervousness on the patient's part and ultimately help us provide better care.

So what does Richard suggest we do to make better connections with our patients?

Most importantly, practice humanizing patients to offer the best care!

Guest Bio:

Richard A. Schaefer, MD, MPH is an orthopaedic surgeon at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. He grew up in Buffalo, NY, after which he went to West Point followed by medical school at Tulane. He did his orthopaedic residency at the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Colorado, and orthopaedic oncology fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Prior to joining Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer served for over 30 years in the U.S. Army, retiring at the rank of colonel. He had a number of stateside and overseas assignments at military medical facilities, including two tours in Afghanistan. He received several military decorations and awards for his service, including the Bronze Star Medal and Combat Action Badge.

In addition to his clinical practice at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Schaefer is a medical student advisor, providing longitudinal school and career advising to a cohort of students from their first day and throughout the 4 years until they graduate. He has a variety of outside interests including travel, art, and sports, and is a lifelong die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills.

SurgeonMasters is a physician peer community dedicated to improving the personal and professional well-being of physicians.

Join your colleagues online at SurgeonMasters.com for events, resources, and more.

PRACTICE Your Best!