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 physician coach and family physician, Errin Weisman, DO. In this episode, Errin takes the reins and interviews Jeff about his recent surgical sabbatical.
Earlier this summer, Jeff had lumbar spine surgery to address a herniated disc and foraminal stenosis. Since the procedure, he has been doing his best to be a good patient by taking six weeks off from taking call and performing surgery. It’s been a difficult transition, since Jeff has never taken that much time away from surgery in his entire career!
As physicians, we often make for terrible patients. According to Jeff: “Despite my knowledge that wellness includes the mental, emotional, and spiritual, I was much more prepared for the physical experience and recovery. The forced experience of not being the one delivering the care as a surgeon gave me a new perspective and tremendous opportunity for growth.”
What tips does Jeff have for surgeons who are taking a step back (either via sabbatical, medical leave, or figuratively) so they can move forward?
- Tip 1 – Reach out to a coach or someone who has the skill set to listen and support you through the experience. listen and support you through the experience.
- Tip 2 – Start working with that person well before the big challenges come along as this will help prepare you for dealing with such a significant change.
- Tip 3 – Be prepared for the work of the experience including the unease, discomfort, turmoil, and pain mixed in with the positives.
Most importantly, practice taking a mini-sabbatical that allows for reflection or coaching!
Errin Weisman, DO
Errin is a life coach, podcaster, and fierce advocate for wellness in medicine. She faced professional burnout early in her career and speaks openly about her story in order to help others, particularly female physicians and working moms, know they are not alone. Dr. Weisman wholeheartedly believes that to be a healer, you must first fill your own cup. She lives and practices life coaching and medicine in rural Southwestern Indiana, loves her roles as farmer’s wife, athlete, and mother of three. You can find out more about Dr. Weisman on her podcast “Doctor Me First,” her website https://www.burntouttobadass.com/ or hang out with her on social media @burntout_to_badass. She is the founder of the Physician Coach Alliance.