As I continue to work as a Hospitalist, I decided to ask a Nephrologist what do you think about medicine. He mentioned, “The only thing that is guaranteed in medicine is CHANGE.” Now this doesn’t mean all change is good. There have been new policies that help the hospital, and others that a detrimental. He also mentioned, that when your just getting the hang of it, it changes!  However, the consequence is staff either breaks or adapts. At this moment in time, staff is usually abandoning ship, to seek easier lifestyles, better pay, etc. In return, the hospital suffers because of lack of staff. I had a conversation with my patients mother (who also works in my hospital) and felt her frustration. She was so saddened, and embarrassed to recommend her family or friends to her own hospital for healthcare. She understands, as a nurse herself that the shortage of help, nurses, techs, secretaries makes the art of medicine very hard, and inefficient.  The shortage of staff, failure to recruit, to save money is a HUGE mistake. Hearing the mother of my patient vent about the system, I urged her to be proactive and do something about this. Hopefully she will write a letter to management and the board, advocating for change. If the general population wants better healthcare, don’t wave a flyer and complain on TV. Fight for your health care, your human right to be happy and healthy, and have healthy conversations with people who can make change!

Stop complaining, and be proactive for change!

DR SARELA.

 

I had an eye opening chat with my wife a few days ago. Apparently, work has made me a mess! I never new it was this bad but from my wife’s perspective I was a train wreck. I didn’t think work would consume me. After looking at myself and examining the past 3 months I have given a lot up. I am having longer days, so I have been taking work home, charting, billing, dictating reports – you know doctor stuff. I usually never take work home. I am finished, mentally clear, and ready to be a husband and dad for the family.

However, when I come back home I am still in “game” mode crunching the numbers, working (not getting overtime). I figured why am I killing myself for no reason. I have stopped doing the things I love. I use to play the Ukulele and watch YouTube videos, learning new notes and songs to play to the baby! This gave me joy, challenged my mind, and made the baby happy. THIS WAS TOSSED ASIDE, as I felt would impact work. I use to cook on a routine basis, watch basketball, work out at the gym, sit around the fire pit in the back yard and meditate, work on my car, play video games, talk to friends, have healthy conversations about not work, travel more, yah get the idea – ALL TOSSED ASIDE.

My whole life has become consumed with being a DOCTOR. For Lent, I have made a goal. I will not talk about work. It will be a challenge but also the thought of letting go what doesnt really matter the most is also a HUGE relief. So for the next 40 days or so, I will be working on achieving clarity, reclaiming the joys in my life!

Enjoy all

DR SARELA.