As a burnout recovery coach and physician with 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how doctors often prioritise everyone else’s well being over their own. Yet, just like a high-performance vehicle needs regular maintenance, medical professionals must protect their most valuable asset – themselves.
The Reality Check
Recent Australian surveys reveal alarming statistics: about 60% of clinicians experience burnout, with higher rates among emergency physicians, psychiatrists, women and younger doctors. When doctors aren’t functioning at their best, patient care suffers – burnout doubles the risk of medical errors and leads to poor decision making.
Why Protecting Yourself Matters
Think of yourself as the golden goose in the medical system. Without your well-being:
- Patient care quality decreases
- Medical errors increase
- Career satisfaction plummets
- Personal relationships suffer
- Physical and mental health deteriorates
Essential Maintenance Strategies
Just as a car needs regular servicing, here are key areas to maintain your professional longevity:
1. Sleep Hygiene
- Aim for 7+ hours per night consistently.
- Set a bedtime alarm (not just a wake-up alarm).
- Maintain regular sleep patterns, even on days off.
2. Movement Medicine
- Schedule regular physical activity.
- Use exercise as natural stress relief.
- Build movement into your daily routine, even if brief.
3. Mindset Management
- Identify meaningful activities (aim for 20% of your work).
- Practice gratitude to counter negativity bias.
- Establish clear boundaries around work commitments.
4. Support Systems
- Connect with colleagues who understand.
- Consider professional support (mentor, coach, or counselor).
- Build positive relationships outside medicine.
The Return on Investment
When you prioritize your wellbeing:
- Your clinical performance improves.
- Decision making becomes sharper.
- Patient satisfaction increases.
- Career longevity extends.
- Personal life flourishes.
Remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. As locum physicians, you’re particularly vulnerable to burnout due to constantly changing environments and adapting to new systems. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential professional maintenance.
Next Steps
Start small. Choose one area from above and implement a single change this week. Monitor how it affects your energy, mood, and performance. Remember, protecting the asset isn’t a luxury – it’s a professional responsibility.
Your well-being isn’t just about you – it’s about every patient you’ll treat in your career. Make protecting yourself a priority and watch how it transforms both your professional and personal life.
Resources
- www.drjobraid.com
- The Burnout Recovery Podcast
About Dr. Jo Braid
Dr. Jo Braid is a seasoned Rehabilitation Physician with two decades of expertise in neuro-rehabilitation and an award-winning coach dedicated to transforming burnout recovery for healthcare professionals. Based in Orange, she actively engages in her community and hosts The Burnout Recovery Podcast. Dr. Braid delivers interactive keynotes, group coaching and personalized 1:1 coaching programs. Her passion for mental well-being, combined with her deep understanding of the human brain, empowers individuals to thrive.
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