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 pediatrician, former ACGME wellness officer, and author of the book The Success Trap, Dr. Stuart Slavin.
The primary driver of burnout and mental health issues for physicians is the system and environment. But we also have to recognize that environment isn’t the only driver. Medical professionals are particularly susceptible to self-critical mindsets that can significantly reduce well-being.
Physicians and surgeons are tough on themselves and often lack self-compassion. These mindsets contribute to self-narratives that are often inaccurate and can compound the stress of a challenging work environment. Here are a few examples of these self-critical mindsets:
- Maladaptive perfectionism – setting the bar so high for yourself that you’re continually disappointed in yourself.
- Imposter syndrome – feeling like a fraud.
- Toxic comparison – only feeling good if you’re outperforming others.
- Performance as identity – equating feedback to who you are as a person.
What steps does Stuart suggest we take to change these mindsets?
Step 1 – Recognize that these mindsets are on the rise, especially in younger students and trainees.
Step 2 – Address these mindsets early on in training. The goal isn’t to get rid of these mindsets, but to recognize when you’re thinking a certain way and challenge those thoughts.
Most importantly, PRACTICE changing your mindset!
Have feedback? Did this episode resonate with you? Share your thoughts by emailing Team@surgeonmasters.com. We’d love to hear from you!
Stuart Slavin, MD, MEd
Dr. Slavin, a nationally recognized well-being expert, has several lenses that inform his view of the current child and adolescent mental health crisis. A board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Slavin practiced general pediatrics for seventeen years at UCLA. As a researcher, Dr. Slavin has conducted studies involving the mental health of medical students, medical residents, medical education staff, and in recent years, high school and college students. Dr. Slavin’s interest in mental health and well-being began when, as curriculum dean at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, he spearheaded efforts to improve the mental health of medical students that led to 80% reductions in rates of depression and anxiety–all while increasing performance levels. Dr. Slavin is a frequent lecturer who speaks regularly at schools and regional, national, and international education meetings. Dr. Slavin has received numerous education, teaching, and clinical awards and recognition over the course of his career, including the Alpha Omega Alpha Robert J. Glaser Distinguished Teacher Award in 2013.
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