Need support during your medical training journey? Β Check out these resources for free, confidential support:
peer support for physicians and medical students:Β Physician Support Line
Email Tune Rx founder J.C. Sue at:tunerx97531@gmail.com
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
Early in medical school I learned that the word βdoctorβ comes from the Latin word βdocere,β which means βto teach.βΒ Β Considering how much physicians are expected to educate patients, I think the origin of the word βdoctorβ is very appropriate.Β Β I think patient education is something every clinician should prioritize if patients are to become as healthy as possible.
To me patient education is not only about helping patients understand how to build a healthy lifestyle but also about setting a good example for them.Β Β If those of us who are clinicians are living healthily ourselves, we can help show patients how beneficial a healthy lifestyle can be.Β Β On the other hand, if we educate patients about how to stay healthy but donβt take care of ourselves, patients may see us as hypocritical and be less likely to take us seriously.
The primary care doctor I had for most of my childhood and adolescence set a great example of a balanced life.Β Β Though he stayed busy as a doctor, he took time to travel with his family and also wrote movie reviews for a local newspaper.Β Β Every time I saw him I remember him looking cheerful and healthy.Β Β From what I observed, he appeared to be taking good care of his health, and he exemplified to me that even with a busy career self-care is possible and recommended.Β Β Before I moved across the country for medical school, he told me to take enough time to take care of my body and my soul, and I still try to follow that advice today.
I encourage everyone studying or working in healthcare to practice both physical and mental self care.Β Β Your patients deserve to receive care from the best version of yourself, and you deserve to be that version of yourself.Β Β Sometimes the demands of healthcare require long hours and personal needs must sometimes temporarily be put on hold.Β Β However, becoming a healthcare worker does not make you superhuman, so circling back to those needs at the next opportunity is important, whether that means getting some extra sleep, exercising, eating a nutritious meal, or engaging in a hobby for relaxation.Β Β If you neglect your personal needs for too long, trying to continue working will be equivalent to trying to drive your car on an empty tank (or on zero charge for all you electric car owners).Β Β We encourage our patients to take care of their needs as part of a healthy lifestyle, and I think we should do the same for ourselves.