Uncertainty and Opportunity

It’s been quite a couple of weeks as I write this. The layoffs continue as we try to right size the huge financial losses that are almost universal across U.S. healthcare. It’s been a scary time.

Even though as physicians we are the revenue generators, we still have the nagging question in our minds – “am I next?”

This has certainly been front and center in my mind, as half of my role is as the medical director of provider wellness. I’m not clinical half the time. And could we lose our entire provider wellness program? At a time when burnout, distress and mental illness among healthcare workers is at an all-time high? How are we going to make sure everyone is ok?

Only time will tell.

So, I have been grappling with the uncertainty. We all have. It’s been my constant friend, and I have consciously tried to allow it to be a friend along for the ride – and not an enemy.

What if uncertainty wasn’t so “bad” – and instead, this time of unknown is merely an opportunity?

What if this time gives us the chance to take stock of our lives and careers, and allow ourselves to imagine a life that could be even better, more meaningful, more joyful, and more impactful?

What gives me peace is knowing that this work of transforming our medical culture, is one that reaches and extends far beyond the walls of any one organization. That this work is so much greater than any one community. It’s the work of a lifetime.

And no matter where we are, there is an ocean of need, and a way to help. 

Thank you for listening to my musings this week, dear friends. LeadHER Podcast episodes will be back next week.

Be well.