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In this episode of The Invisible Reality, I engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Michael Hersch, a practicing gastroenterologist and the founder of Better Physician Life. We explore the concept of work-life balance, reframing burnout as a potential gift, and the importance of mindfulness in medicine.

Our conversation delves into spirituality, the power of reframing, and the impact of mindset on patient care and personal growth. This aligns with research showing that mindfulness practices can reduce burnout and improve well-being among healthcare professionals (Malik & Annabi, 2022). We address the challenges facing physicians today, including high rates of burnout and depression, which have been well-documented in recent studies (Collier, 2018).

Dr. Hersch emphasizes the importance of changing one's perceived reality to achieve greater satisfaction, a concept supported by cognitive behavioral therapy approaches (CNET Health, 2022). We also discuss the idea of physicians as guides rather than heroes, reflecting modern approaches to patient-centered care (Berger et al., 2021).

Key Points:

1. Reframing Burnout: Dr. Hersch emphasizes the power of reframing, especially in viewing burnout as a potential gift that can lead to personal growth and transformation.
2. Work-Life Balance vs. Life Balance: We challenge the concept of work-life balance, suggesting that we should aim for life balance instead, integrating all aspects of our lives rather than trying to separate them.
3. Mindfulness in Medicine: We discuss the importance of incorporating mindfulness and spirituality into medical practice to improve patient care and personal well-being. This is supported by research showing the beneficial effects of mindfulness on stress, depression, and burnout among healthcare professionals (Jankowski & Bąk, 2021).
4. Changing Perceived Reality: I introduce my equation: Expectations - Perceived Reality = Disappointment. By changing our perceived reality, we can reduce disappointment and increase fulfillment.
5. The Guide vs. Hero Mentality: We discuss the importance of physicians seeing themselves as guides rather than heroes, which can lead to less burnout and more effective patient care. This aligns with patient-centered care approaches (Berger et al., 2021).
6. Authenticity in Practice: We both emphasize the importance of being authentic in medical practice and in life, which can lead to better connections with patients and improved personal satisfaction.
7. Impact of Mindset on Family: We explore how adopting a more balanced and mindful approach to life and work positively impacts our relationships with our children and families.
8. Addressing Physician Burnout: Our conversation highlights the high rates of burnout and depression among physicians and the need for systemic changes in healthcare (Collier, 2018).
9. Creating Change: Dr. Hersch encourages physicians to be the change they want to see in healthcare, likening it to learning to surf the waves rather than fighting against them.

Join us in this episode as we provide valuable perspectives on physician wellness, leadership, and the transformative power of changing one's perceived reality.

References:

Shanafelt, T. D., & Noseworthy, J. H. (2017). Executive Leadership and Physician Well-being: Nine Organizational Strategies to Promote Engagement and Reduce Burnout. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 92(1), 129-146.

Shanafelt, T. D., Boone, S., Tan, L., Dyrbye, L. N., Sotile, W., Satele, D., ... & Oreskovich, M. R. (2012). Burnout and satisfaction with work-life balance among US physicians relative to the general US population. Archives of internal medicine, 172(18), 1377-1385.

Krasner, M. S., Epstein, R. M., Beckman, H., Suchman, A. L., Chapman, B., Mooney, C. J., & Quill, T. E. (2009). Association of an educational program in mindful communication with burnout, empathy, and attitudes among primary care physicians. JAMA, 302(12), 1284-1293.

Swensen, S. J., Shanafelt, T., & Mohta, N. S. (2016). Leadership survey: Why physician burnout is endemic, and how health care must respond. NEJM Catalyst, 2(12).

West, C. P., Dyrbye, L. N., & Shanafelt, T. D. (2018). Physician burnout: contributors, consequences and solutions. Journal of internal medicine, 283(6), 516-529.

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2019). Taking action against clinician burnout: A systems approach to professional well-being. National Academies Press.