One stressed-out physician told Deb Wood, PhD, that she began to close her office door “because people were bothering me.” While that might be a great way to find some peace and quiet, if you’re used to an open door policy at work, closing it can start up the rumorRead More

Q: I’m an older physician. Is it my imagination, or is it tougher for me to find work-life balance than younger physicians? A: Yes, it is more difficult for you. For more seasoned physicians like you, your careers were your lives. As a group, you’re more used to working 60Read More

Q: I’m overwhelmed by communication. The phone is always ringing, and everyone is always interrupting me. It’s stressful! How can I handle this better? A: What you’re describing is the struggle of constant availability. I got rid of my pager and my iPhone is generally on do not disturb. PeopleRead More

Your colleague hasn’t been acting like herself. What should you do? Approach her, especially if patient safety is an issue, says David Frenz, MD, medical director of mental health and addiction care at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul. Be direct and specific but don’t take on the role ofRead More

Q: How do I talk to my family about how stressed I am? A: Make sure the phones are off. Start by stating, “I want to talk about what’s happening to me. I need to share something with you right now. I’m really feeling stressed.” Use “I” statements like, “IRead More

Q: I know I could use some help dealing with stress, but I feel embarrassed to admit it. What’s holding me back? A: Doctors feel they must be self-reliant, unemotional when treating patients or in front of colleagues, and not admit they don’t know something. These characteristics are drilled intoRead More

Q: Why am I so miserable in my job? I’ve worked on work-life balance issues, but I can’t seem to find a way to a better place. A: This could be a poor job fit. Your job may not suit your personality or value set. It might have been aRead More

If you’re feeling burned out, find a career or life coach or consider accessing an employee assistance program (EAP) or employee wellness program, if available, says Peter Moskowitz, MD, career and life coach for physicians and executive director, Center for Professional and Personal Renewal, Palo Alto, Calif. While you canRead More

That annoying traffic jam isn’t causing your stress (though it isn’t making it any better). The real reasons behind your stress go much deeper. According to Peter Moskowitz, MD, executive director, Center for Professional and Personal Renewal, Palo Alto, Calif., the top stressors for physicians are lack of control inRead More

Q: We have a meditation room. Is that going to prevent burnout? A: While some healthcare organizations are beginning to recognize the problem of burnout, many are simply offering gimmicks: changing the food in the cafeteria, telling physicians to sleep and exercise more, or providing meditation rooms that no oneRead More