Physician burnout – and burnout in general – is at an all-time high. From this
Sadly, as noted in
It’s not surprising that it’s come to this. We witness families at restaurants interacting more with their smartphones than with each other. We interrupt conversations, mealtimes, and playtimes to check our inboxes for more data to fill our days.
What’s the solution? Should we all start talking in the language of Natal? No. Well, not necessarily.
I do, however, believe that we need to take stock of ourselves and that on which we choose to focus.
We need to be more present every day for each other, for our colleagues, and for our patients.
We need to come together as healers and maintain the humanity in medicine.
Let’s focus on, as Jill Bolte Taylor suggests,
It’s not a quick fix. But it’s a start.
I see you.
Hi Starla, I think you are touching on a very core and vital concept about validation and humanity. I think that it helps to explain why listening is so crucial, not only to make an assessment but make a connection as another human being. I sometimes wonder if in some way our very existence depends on being heard? And maybe when we are connecting with our patients in this way we are also honoring the privilege of our work. So it makes sense that not doing this would erode the joy and meaning from it. Thanks for an inspiring read. I see you too!
Beth,
Thanks for your wise words. You are so correct. Listening is at the core of establishing relationships — with our patients, our friends, and our family. Blessings, my friend.