Finding Heart in the Healthcare Maze: A Doctor’s Personal Take
I remember the first time I held a stethoscope. It felt heavy, not just in weight but in responsibility. Fast forward a few years, and the weight of paperwork, bureaucracy, and ever-changing policies started to feel a lot heavier than that stethoscope. And that's why Dr. Wes Fischer's words hit me: “[As a doctor] people will trust you, confide in you, and appreciate your efforts. You can do amazing things for people if you don’t let the system get you down.”
Coffee, Tears, and Bedside Stories
The other day, after what felt like my millionth cup of coffee, I had an elderly patient named Ruth. She was nervous about a minor surgery. While I was reviewing her vitals, she squeezed my hand and shared how her late husband had the same procedure. They used to dance, and she was hoping to dance again with her grandkids. Moments like these remind me of why I still have love for emergency medicine: the raw, beautiful tapestry of human stories.
Drowning in Paper, But Keeping My Head Up
But let's face it: For every heartwarming Ruth moment, there's a mountain of paperwork or a frustrating call with insurance. It's maddening, and yes, there are days when it feels like "the system" is winning. Days when I’m more of a paper-pusher than a healer. But if there's one thing Ruth and countless others have taught me, it's the power of human connection. Mind you, we have opted to steer away from the emergency department and focus on getting and keeping people healthy. . . the new "us" so to speak.
Staying Grounded: Some Unsolicited Tips
So, if you're a fellow doc (or anyone feeling bogged down by "the system"), here are a couple of things that keep me going:
Lunch breaks are sacred. Seriously. I squeeze in a "lunch", find a minute to chart, and for a few seconds, I'm not a doctor. I’m just a guy munching on protein and a salad, watching silly videos on my phone.
Buddy up. I have this pact with a fellow doc, happens to be be Rita, my forever confidant. Every time we have one of those “ugh, why did I even?” moments, we share. Sometimes, just knowing someone else gets it makes a world of difference.
Sticky notes, everywhere. I keep these little affirmations stuck all around – my ever expansive office, the 10 pod ED, the staff room, heck, even the restroom. A small note that says, “Breathe, you got this” or “Remember Ruth” can pull me out of a funk. It's crazy but I get this sticky note idea from David Goggins.
Shake a leg. No, really. Every time I feel super overwhelmed, I find a private spot and dance it out. Silly? Yes. Effective? Absolutely. Movement remains paramount in my mind.
Final Thoughts: It’s Personal, Not Systematic
Look, Fischer’s right. We’re in a unique position to make a genuine difference. We're privy to people's fears, dreams, and everything in between. It’s an honor. And sure, the system's messy and imperfect. But our duty? It's profoundly personal. So here’s to navigating the maze, holding onto the heart of why we do what we do, and of course, the occasional dance break. We are refusing to let the system prevent us from doing great work! Jason & Rita...aka Dr. De Leon and Dr. Gillespie.
