7 Simple Ways to Find Joy in Medicine

 

Vandna Jerath, MD, FACOG, is a solo ob/gyn physician in private practice, women’s health blogger, and healthcare social media expert.  She is the medical director at Optima Women’s Healthcare and Optima Vitality MD, Parker, Colorado. She can be reached at vjerathmd@optimawomenshealthcare. 

Often it is the smallest and briefest moments of humanity that bring us the greatest joy and fulfillment in medicine. Whether it is a simple thank-you card, surprise gift, smile, hug, an interesting story, or tears from the patient (or from us), an everlasting impression and bond is created. Of course, we find joy and fulfillment in delivering a baby, doing surgery, consulting on a challenging clinical case, or being recognized for a professional achievement. But often, the little things mean the most. Here are some of the simple ways I find joy and fulfillment in medicine:

1. Patient Gratitude – Two little words can have a powerful impact: “THANK YOU.” When a patient says thank you with sincerity and appreciation, it makes it all worth it. When you hear a patient say thank you, believe her and know you made a difference. It also feels special to receive a handwritten thank-you card from a patient showing her appreciation. I am deeply moved by the sentiments patients share during these moments of gratitude. Sometimes, I receive thank-you gifts from patients which are thoughtful and meaningful gestures that make me smile.

2. Learning from a Patient – I love to learn something new every day. We have had life-long learning in medical school, our ob/gyn residency programs, and in our careers with CME (Continuing Medical Education) and MOC (Maintenance Of Certification). It can be interesting to learn something different. When a patient has a complex medical problem outside of ob/gyn, I enjoy learning the details about how she was diagnosed and treated. Not only is the patient glad to share her story, but I also stay informed on other areas of medicine. Sometimes, I just like learning fun stuff or interesting things. Recently, a patient told me she fell at a Denver Broncos game and received stitches in her knee. I thought she went to an urgent care or the ER, but I learned that the patient actually received stitches from a resident doctor at the stadium clinic for free! I already love the Broncos and now I love them even more. Who offers free healthcare?

3. Simple Compliments – You know that feeling when instead of getting a pat on the back, someone compliments you to someone else? I don’t need anyone to shout my praises from a mountain top, but when they quietly share my praise, it means so much more. This is true whether it is a simple compliment or referral from a patient, nurse, colleague, or administrator. When someone says, “I’ve heard great things about you . . .” - it simply makes you feel great! A few years ago, I delivered a patient who had twins who developed severe preeclampsia, HELLP (Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelets) syndrome, and respiratory distress moments after birth. She ended up in the intensive care unit and I spent 60 hours at her bedside caring for her and praying, until she recovered. About a year later, I overheard a nurse tell one of my patients that I was the best person to have in a high-risk or complex situation and relate to the patient how I stayed by my other patient’s bedside for 3 days. Wow – I had no idea any of the nurses on L&D (Labor and Delivery) even knew that I had done that. It is always wonderful to receive an unsolicited compliment and be appreciated.

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