As we approach Thanksgiving, I find myself trying to focus less on the chaos of the season and more on the many blessings in my life. So, this week, I wanted to share my gratitude for the balance I continually try to achieve at home and at work.
I am thankful for...
14 things one physician is thankful for
1. The patients who need me, whether that is to help find a missing shoe, give a hug goodnight, deliver a baby, or manage their diabetes.
2. The people who support me at home and at work so that I can accomplish so many things in a typical day.
3. Friends who challenge me to do less so I can enjoy more
4. Colleagues who are available to commiserate with, tell me I’m right when that’s what I really need to hear, and tell me I’m wrong in the nicest possible way.
5. My awesome medical assistant who contributes so much to the care I provide my patients
6. My patient who sent me flowers as a thank-you
7. The opportunity to see the babies I deliver grow up to take first steps, say first words, and give me a high-five.
8. Our EHR: While there are drawbacks, the availability of information is incredibly beneficial to my patient care and I can catch up on notes in my pajamas
9. The fact that the problems I manage at work are often inconsequential in the grand scheme of life.
10. Staff who clean up all the details of our clinic so that I can focus on patient care
11. Medications like Lisinopril and Metformin: They are really wonderful and so cheap.
12. Evidence-based medicine, which allows me to have at least a semblance of confidence in what I tell my patients.
13. The fact that medicine is not so cookie-cutter that a robot or trained monkey could do my job
14. The opportunity to be a doctor. Still a noble profession, still a great life
Jennifer Frank, MD is a family physician and chief medical officer in northeastern Wisconsin. She continues to find medicine to be the most rewarding profession imaginable, second only to motherhood. She's married to a fellow physician and has four children. Her family reminds her of what is most important and inspires her study and pursuit of work-life balance.
