Taking Spanish and typing classes were two of the best decisions I made in middle school. But after reading Dr. Christina Brown’s Doximity article “How We Can Help Women in Medicine Become Better Presenters,” I realize that going to performing arts camp was also a boon. Brown points out that women are less likely to be speakers at medical conferences, which limits their career trajectories. She contends that public speaking, writing, and networking skills should be taught during medical school and residency to propel professional success. Her piece is worth a read.
Blog Archives
Medscape Physician Mental Health Report 2025: Burnout is Still Very High
The annual Medscape burnout survey is out, and, while the numbers are being touted as an improvement, a whopping 47% of physician respondents reported being burned out and 24% reported depression. (The burnout statistic is lower than it was over the last few years’ surveys.) When asked, “Can doctors in your specialty be happy and well-balanced?” only 63% of emergency physicians (my field) said yes, the lowest of all specialties surveyed. (Of note, 94% of allergy and immunology physicians gave an affirmative response, the highest of all specialties surveyed.) Additionally, 63% of physicians responded that they would accept a pay cut for better balance.
According to Medscape, “These results portray a profession that has work to do in finding happiness, balancing work and family demands, and developing friendships that sustain one in a demanding career.”
Here is a graphic representation of the survey results.
Some Medical Institutions are Offering their Trainees Coaching
I was just reading an interesting piece by the AAMC’s Stacy Weiner on coaching for medical students and residents. The idea is that – beyond advising – students can benefit from the attention of skilled listeners to help them develop individualized plans to achieve short- and long-term goals.
In the article, Dr. Dana Dunne, the director of coaching at Yale School of Medicine explains, “A coach mostly asks you questions. ‘How do you know when you’re doing well?’ ‘What does success look like for you?’ ‘What has helped you make decisions in the past?’” The AAMC article also highlights Colorado University’s Better Together program. The Better Together website addresses assistance with issues like imposter syndrome, time management, perfectionism, and burnout.
What a great opportunity! All things being equal, choosing an institution that has accessible coaching makes sense when you’re considering which medical school or residency to attend.
Tags: Aamc, Medical Careers, Mental Health, Success
Great Things About Being a Physician
Years ago my physician dad told me that it was important to select a specialty whose bread-and-butter you could still enjoy. For orthopedists, it’s back pain. Interestingly, it’s probably back pain for us emergency physicians as well!
Along those lines, I devote a reasonable fraction of my blog entries to the downsides of being a physician because I want to ensure that those who are considering a career in medicine understand and can tolerate the more mundane – even negative – aspects of their planned profession before they can’t turn back.
I’m very happy, then, in contrast, to use today’s blog entry to showcase Medscape’s Best Things About Being a Doctor piece. It’s interesting how many of the physicians interviewed mention having a “tangible” effect on their patients’ lives.
Tags: Career choice, Doctors, Medical Careers, Mental Health
After You Get In
The AAMC recently published a piece called “Congratulations, you got into medical school! Now what?” in which staff writer Bridget Balch lists seven tips for rising first-year medical students. You can see the article here.
The author makes several suggestions, including leveraging the orientation and embracing the academic challenge, but I would highlight her recommendations to find mentors and prioritize your health.
Identifying strong mentors not only affords you the potential for good letters of recommendation and little-known opportunities, but also doing so can support you when medical school is a terrible grind. Mentors can be especially important role models for women and those in traditionally underrepresented groups. The key is to assert yourself and overcome feelings of insignificance. Many faculty are eager to meet and guide students.
With regard to physical and emotional health, I’ve written recently and many times in the past about clinician burnout and depression. Medical school can be a time of significant contraction in your life. Make sure to care for yourself physically and seek mental help when needed.
In the meantime, before school starts, take a well-deserved break!
Dr. Finkel is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Medical School. On completing her residency at Harvard, she was asked to
stay on as faculty at Harvard Medical School and spent five years teaching at the world-renowned Massachusetts General Hospital.
She was appointed to the Assistant Residency Director position for the Harvard Affiliated
Emergency Medicine Residency where she reviewed countless applications, personal statements and resumes. Read more
