Dr. Erkeda DeRouen talks to Dr. Julia Huber who is a board-certified physician practicing telemedicine. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine. For 13 years now, Dr. Huber has been coaching physicians and other professionals on stress, health, and wellness.
- [01:00] Dr. Huber’s Medical Journey and Background
- [06:53] How to Prioritize Student Wellness
- [11:36] A Broader View on Wellness
- [24:54] Dr. Huber’s Passions Outside of Medicine
- [20:32] Why Doctors Should Ask for Help
- [30:39] Best Piece of Advice Dr. Huber Received
Choosing Wellness in High-Stress Environments
Medical school can get hectic, but it helps to keep a mindset of choice. Remind yourself that you are in a privileged position to become a physician. When things get tough, go back to your why. Sacrifices can be painful, but the rewards are meaningful. There will always be tough situations, always try to be honest with yourself so you can grow from difficult experiences.
Lifestyle Choices to Improve Well-being
Relationships are important contributors to well-being. Our peers make us feel like we’re not alone. Our mentors can guide us to avoid certain pitfalls. Our relationships outside of medicine help keep us in check by offering fresh perspectives. It’s good to have these types of connections to help us see and manage the reality of our situation.
It’s easy to fall into an either/or kind of thinking. To move beyond this, try to keep an eye out for opportunities. There is almost always room for compromise. When you can, make small choices that will improve your wellness. These little actions build up over time and can have a profound effect.
The Truth About Physician Burnout
Working in the field of medicine is not always pleasant. Sometimes, it can be traumatic to witness unfortunate scenarios. Overtime, it can leave a long-lasting negative impact. Doctors are people too; they struggle with depression, burn out, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Physicians are reluctant to seek help for fear that they might lose their license. Recently, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act has been passed which seeks to improve wellness and mental health for healthcare workers.
Schedule a free initial call with Dr. Julia Huber on her website.
Got questions, feedback, or suggestions? Send a message to Dr. Erkeda DeRouen’s Instagram or MedSchoolCoach’s Instagram.
