Emergency medicine (EM) is one of the most challenging and high-pressure environments in medicine. It demands swift decision-making, precision, and a level of endurance that rivals even the most elite athletes. In a single shift, EM physicians see a range from minor ailments to life-threatening emergencies. Physicians must cultivate resilience, visualization techniques, and the ability to focus amid the chaos. The environment in which emergency medicine is practiced can be vastly different, ranging from state-of-the-art facilities to the most underserved community shops. Physicians in these settings must exhibit high levels of adaptability, often finding creative ways to stabilize patients and make the most of limited resources. Athletes train their bodies to perform at their peak, but medical practitioners face the added challenge of managing the emotional weight of their work. The ability to maintain empathy and clarity of thought in the face of traumatic circumstances is a unique aspect of high performance in medicine.
Where do high-performers get into trouble?
In contrast to the finite careers of most athletes, the pursuit of high performance in medicine is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires a lifelong commitment to education, adaptability to the ever-changing healthcare system, and a sustained dedication to improving patient outcomes. Throughout their careers, physicians often find themselves in the trap of losing sight of the locus of control. However, when we find ourselves stuck we have a few options. We can accept things for the way they are, we can leave the job entirely or change our perspective. One of the most important things we must do is avoid the “There’s nothing I can do.” mentality. There are always options.
How do we as high-preformers avoid burning out?
An issue that plagues many in the healthcare profession is burnout. High-performance medicine can often lead to an increased risk of burnout, and addressing this issue is crucial to maintaining a sustainable level of care of both ourselves and our patients. In Jason’s experience, even the most burnt-out among us, don’t actually want to leave medicine. We all chose emergency medicine for a reason. Sometimes we need a little perspective. So when you are facing burnout, ask yourself, “What are the elements of my job that I can control?” and “What do I or did I love about Emergency Medicine?”
Take Homes:
- Emergency medicine is practiced in challenging and high-pressure environments.
- As high-performers, we are at higher risk for burnout.
- One of the best ways to mitigate burnout is to meet yourself in the moment and regain perspective by focusing on the modifiables.
About Our Guests:
Assistant Program Director, Creighton University School of Medicine/Maricopa Medical Center (Phoenix) Emergency Medicine Residency
Jason Brooks, PhD
Performance Mindset Coach
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