Work/Life Balance

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Unlike specialties that require completion of fellowship, the specialty of the internist hospitalist doesn't require constant repetition of mechanical procedures and the learning of technological devices. Rather, the internist specializes in the pathophysiology of the sick human being in all its manifestations, many of which can occur simultaneously

Historically, the demands of being a physician have resulted in generations of physicians who were excellent clinicians but lousy spouses and parents. This is a generalization and many physicians, young and old, have been able to balance home and work demands and perform well at both.

I don’t always feel the strain of my decisions to travel or to add extra obligations to my already very full schedule. However, when I look across the breakfast table at my spouse and see that he has a hollow-eyed zombie stare and a three-day growth of stubble on his face, I can recognize how my lack of work-life balance equals his fatigue and burnout.

Anesthesiologist Cheryl Orr, MD, on her struggle to balance the time demands of her work and family, and the tough decisions that led her to a balanced life.

The doctors who have cared for Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and the other victims of last week's shooting deserve more credit than they've been getting for their heroic efforts.