It’s back to school time again, have we ever left?
This time of year traditionally brings thoughts of going “back to school.” School children around the country have been dreading the end of their summer break. However, most of us don’t have the luxury of summer breaks from our jobs. We are perennially in a “back to school” cycle as education is an essential part of life in general, particularly in medicine. With a highly changing scientific field that forces physicians to keep learning, it becomes a natural part of taking care of patients. Science and medicine are increasingly getting better so we must continue our quest for knowledge to keep our practice at a top level.
In order to keep up our state licenses, we must receive continuing medical educational (CME) credits. This is obtained by attending conferences, reading medical journals or teaching medical students or residents. Unfortunately, there are no checks and balances in this system as there is no demonstration of knowledge gained in most CME programs. We typically expect that the physicians taking care of us are up to date and practicing the safest and best medical practices, but how do we know?
Board certification is another standard long used to demonstrate competence in a particular specialty. The American Board of Medical Specialties represents specialties across the spectrum for physicians. These boards offer a certification process for physicians to upkeep current medical practices. Unfortunately, many physicians have viewed this process as cumbersome. Each specialty has a different way of keeping certification which adds to the confusion. Most boards have employed Maintenance of Certification (MOC.) This is an ongoing attempt for physicians to complete projects, test themselves and gain additional CMEs. This is viewed as a nuisance to many physicians as they believe that it is our duty to stay up to date with medical practices without oversight. There is currently physician pushback to the medical boards to make the certification less cumbersome.
Physicians also learn behavior while on the jobs. Like many people, they are creatures of habit. For decades, physicians have been in control of the medical system with few checks and balances. Typically, if a test is requested by a physician, it is completed. If a prescription is written by a physician, it gets filled. However, the cost of delivering care has made it impossible for physicians to do whatever they feel is best. Now insurers and hospitals are basing treatment plans based on scientific practices. This pressure of checks and balances can be stressful to some physicians who have been used to the old “whatever I say goes” mentality. This scientific practice does not necessarily help physicians who are often targets of lawsuits which adds to the stress of the profession.
With these changes, job satisfaction has decreased with physicians. Often, they look at best practice protocols as “cookbook medicine.” Despite, most studies demonstrate that protocols improve care, decrease costs and reduce health disparities, some physicians still resist. Reduced job satisfaction can lead to other symptoms like physician burnout. Before they completely burnout, they may exhibit symptoms like rudeness or extreme resistance to policy changes. This ultimately can lead them on a path where they get in trouble with hospital systems, medical boards or loosing certification. The important thing to remember is that by large these physicians are good people and provide value to the healthcare system. All too often, they are just cast aside.
Early symptoms of burnout
- Easily frustrated
- Emotional lability
- Appears rude
- Unwilling to change
- Does not adhere to policy
- Work incomplete or not up to standard
- Listens poorly
- Does not focus care on patient
With coaching services these physicians can be coached back to their full potential. In just about 3 months, physicians can be transformed back into their former selves. Their passion to take care of patients, their quest for cutting edge medicine and their relationships are transformed. If you or someone you know is exhibiting these symptoms, consider coaching as an option for physicians struggling in today’s medicine. Contact Doctor Jarret today to get a free 30 minute strategy session to discuss your case confidentially.
