Have you ever considered writing a book, hosting a podcast, or telling your stories? How have you used your voice as a physician to better the world around you? In this episode, Drew and John are joined by fellow EM physicians Resa Lewiss, MD (Host of The Visible Voices Podcast) and Cedrick Dark, MD (Editor and Chief of ACEP Now) to discuss how you can find your voice in EM.
What did Resa and Cedrick learn from writing a book and how did they do it?
Resa and Cedrick learned that many of us as EM physicians are more comfortable talking to people than we are writing. There are several reasons for that, but one of the main reasons is that we talk to people every day at work and unless we have exercised the skill, many of us are not very good at writing. It takes a certain amount of vulnerability to tell our stories and even more to put them into writing.
When getting started, Resa talked to people who do a lot of writing while also reading books about writing and becoming an editor for journals where she could practice writing. One thing she found in her experience when writing is that people do listen to what we say and read what we write, especially as EM physicians.
How do they decide who to amplify with their platforms?
Both Resa and Cedrick mention how they take the responsibility of being a physician seriously and try to focus their content on people who are trying to make a difference. They focus on topics or people who have moved them, whether that was from reading their books, seeing their lectures, or coming in contact with their research. They focus on educating mainstream society to promote prevention, self-care, and self-advocacy.
How do you create a voice for yourself that other people want to hear?
Pursue topics you are passionate about and want to learn more about. As EM doctors, Resa and Cedrick said they focus less on the politics of issues and focus on the policy. They have found that when talking about polarizing topics they focus on the intention of optimizing patient care and saving lives. This typically involves an independent mindset with a middle perspective that invites conversation and discussion.
They remind us that you don’t have to start by writing a book. You can start by just writing down the things you are passionate about or are thinking about. Once you identify a passion, start reaching out to people who are doing what you want to be doing. If you’re unsure where to find these people, try joining your specialty organization or even a quick Google search. You might even consider a fellowship for additional training in health policy or another area of interest. Additionally, you can start getting your voice out there in small publications in journals, magazines, blog sites, podcast episodes, etc. The most important thing is that you start because as EM physicians we have great privilege and an abundance of knowledge. With great privilege comes great responsibility to ourselves, our patients, and our community.
Take-Home Points:
- As EM physicians, we have a voice and a responsibility to use that voice to help others.
- There are so many ways to get involved.
- Find something you are passionate about and use that as a starting point.
- If you already have a platform, consider using it to amplify those around you.
Post by Patricia Capone, DO PGY-3
About Our Guest:
Resa E. Lewiss, MD
Emergency Medicine Physician
Host of The Visible Voices Podcast
Host of Academic Emergency Medicine Education and Training Journal Podcast
Coauthor of MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact.
Cedrick Dark, MD
Emergency Medicine Physician
Author of Under the Gun
Editor and Cheif of ACEPNow
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