Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast, where we delve into strategies for creating a more balanced and fulfilling career in the medical field. In this episode, your host, Dr. Sarah Smith, is joined by Dr. Michael Hersch, a gastroenterologist from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, who shares his compelling journey towards achieving a sustainable work life.

Dr. Hersch opens up about his experiences with career burnout and the profound impact it had on his professional and personal life. Through coaching, he discovered the importance of asking critical questions about what he truly wanted from his work and life. He candidly discusses the challenge of embracing vulnerability as a strength, particularly for male physicians, and how incremental changes like a 30-minute lunch break can lead to substantial improvements in mood and efficiency.

Join us as Dr. Hersch shares how redefining personal boundaries and managing time intentionally have helped him create a more rewarding clinical practice without sacrificing his well-being.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Intentional Time Management: Implementing small adjustments like designating Monday mornings for administrative tasks and introducing a 30-minute lunch break led to enhanced focus and preparation for the day. Such changes can profoundly improve mood and productivity without compromising efficiency.
2. Vulnerability as Strength: Embracing vulnerability is vital, especially for male physicians facing societal expectations. Discovering this aspect can facilitate personal growth and open opportunities to seek help, improving overall work-life balance.
3. Navigating Skepticism: Encountering and embracing skepticism can uncover areas that require attention and transformation. My journey through skepticism led me into entrepreneurship, enabling me to assist fellow physicians in reshaping their career experiences.

Dr. Michael Hersh Bio:

Dr. Michael Hersh is a Gastroenterologist, husband, father, podcaster, and physician coach at Better Physician Life Coaching. He coaches physicians on creating work-life balance, goal setting, stress management, reducing overwhelm, and feeling more present at home and less annoyed at work. His goal is to help physicians stop feeling trapped in medicine so that they can finally enjoy the life they worked so hard to build. He also co-hosts a podcast called Doctors Living Deliberately, highlighting physicians changing medicine by learning to live life with intention and purpose.

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