Can Physicians Find Joy In Practice? Exploring Fulfillment Strategies
Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.
(Peter Drucker)
Efficiency and Effectivenss
Efficiency and effectiveness are two different concepts. Running fast is not enough if you are not heading in the right direction. Therefore, it’s important to choose the right path first, and then you can move forward as fast as you want. The word “efficacy” is a great combination of both efficiency and effectiveness.
Multifaceted Life
Our lives are multifaceted, and there are various aspects that we can enjoy. Achieving academic success and pursuing a fulfilling career are essential aspects of our lives. As physicians, we have dedicated many hours to our studies and training, and our work plays a crucial role in saving lives. Therefore, we must be vigilant, as even a minor mistake can be costly.
Family is another source of joy and support. Our family origin, spouse, and children are our closest and most important social circle. Being social beings, we are designed to live in societies. However, maintaining societal relationships comes with certain obligations that require time and attention. For instance, when we visit a sick family member or attend a marriage ceremony, we need to plan accordingly, reschedule our other activities, and prepare ourselves for the event.
Engaging in the community is another important aspect of our lives. We can participate in various religious and social communities. As a Christian, I’ll use the church as an example of a religious institution. Community engagement fosters an altruistic aspect in our personality and promotes selfless service. Although the service is mostly unpaid, it can consume a lot of time because we enjoy it and feel the value of our actions. For example, I am actively involved in several leadership positions at my church, and my service has significantly shaped my personality toward a better version of myself.
Self-care
Taking care of ourselves is also a crucial aspect, and we need to nourish our spirit, soul, emotions, and body. We should set aside dedicated time for self-care, plan it, and ensure that we perform it as intended. This means creating an additional margin in our busy schedule.
Exploring different interests and hobbies can also be a valuable and enjoyable aspect of our lives. Some people find music, painting, singing, writing, moviemaking, podcasting, and many other activities as a calling to make an impact in others’ lives. There’s much to enjoy in life for us and others.
If you want to learn more about improving your clinic’s efficiency and effectiveness, consider reading my book, No Work After Hours, and viewing prior blog posts.
