“Can I make it through today?” Do you ever find yourself asking this question on your way to work? Recently, a physician I know well told me that even after 20 plus years of work, when he gets within a mile of his office, this question arises almost daily. Before I got out of the car I used the transition…

Are you imagining a relaxed time when you can enjoy?  Perhaps a beach vacation, a mountain adventure, or travel to a new or known place. Somehow words related to pleasure keep popping up in my mind. Quite a contrast to the pressures of working in busy a medical practice or hospital.  Whether a physician or…

There are many times when healthcare professionals feel insufficient.  We see the needs, can diagnose problems and occasionally provide a cure. We also see beyond the diagnosis and notice factors which impact illness.  All too often, there is a sense of inadequacy in the face of illnesses which are debilitating, especially for those which have…

Conflict is a natural part of relationships, after all, we often even disagree and can be in conflict within ourselves. While conflict is inevitable at times, there are ways to minimize escalation to angry confrontation and demoralization. A negative encounter with a patient or colleague can upset you for the whole day and into the future.…

In your work as a physician or nurse there are some clear boundaries regarding what you share with patients. That being said, it is important to let yourself feel what comes up for you even in the challenging moments.  When you cut yourself off from the difficult emotions you set up a pattern of shutting yourself…

I love this phrase and find it to be so true. When you focus on the good, the positive and what works, you begin to see more of it.  Tal Ben Shahar uses this phrase a lot and reminds his students that “appreciate” has two meanings, 1. to be thankful and grateful and 2. that…