I had a chance to sit down with Dr. Marc Siegel recently at a conference in which I spoke at CNN center in Atlanta. Being a medical correspondent for Fox News, Forbes and other national media outlets there are many lessons that we can learn from his experience. With employment issues such as salary cuts, extended hours, and job loss. There are a couple points of our discussion that are worth mentioning.
Communication
Being on national television frequently has naturally helped Marc to develop his communication skills. Using words that communicate ‘how much you care’ are important whether you are communicating with patients, clients, or television viewers. Regardless of political spin, we are sought after for our opinions based on science and not agendas. Not only verbal communication but written communication is essential. He describes himself as a writer-doctor not a doctor-writer.
Using your skills as a writer can propel you forward and help you deliver a message.
At Licensed To Live: The Conference, I gave a lecture on writing books. As I published 4 solo books as of the date of this article, I understand what it takes to write. It is important to deliver a message make it your own message. People don’t always want to hear ‘pie in the sky’ stories or amazing stories that seem too far-fetched for people to imagine them there. One reason I wrote Licensed To Live: A Primer to Rebuilding Your Life After Your Career is Shattered is that I wanted to share my story; a tragic one. I made this my own message to help encourage and empower others who may have a traumatic event in their life.
“The reason I can be so many places at once is because I am sticking to the science.” — Dr. Marc Siegel
Check your ego at the door
Delivering messages in the public eye can be challenging even if you are sticking to your message and the facts. Delivering your message is not about you; it is about serving others. Keeping this in mind will lead you to a long career. All too often, we get caught up in who is right and who is wrong. Worse yet we may become self-righteous which makes it difficult to communicate or deliver a message at all.
As physicians, our egos can get out of control if we let them. We have worked long and hard to achieve, but in a flash it can all get taken away if we let tempers, emotions, and ego get the best of us in moments. I have been hearing many stories across the country of doctors who wanted to stand up for what they thought was right only to be furloughed or even fired.
Don’t be afraid to tell your story and communicate. Make it your message and go tell it to a friend, colleague or a wider audience through the use of media. If you ever need help getting your message out while finding your future, connect with me at www.timewithdoctorjarret.com.
