5. If you are thinking of changing jobs or even careers, run toward something – not away from something else
When I was first recruited to be a medical director at another health plan, I struggled mightily as to whether leaving full-time practice was an opportunity or a foolish, dead-end career move. Ultimately, I made my decision not to avoid night call or working every other weekend; I did it because I felt I had made a difference in the hospital where I had worked for 15 years and was ready to take on a new challenge by learning the business side of health care. It provided me the opportunity to positively impact the care of not just several hundred patients, but as many as two million! My current position now allows me to have even greater influence in pursuing my personal mission to improve the quality, safety, and affordability of health care.
6. Seek balance in life
Again, sounds trite, but think about it. Most health care professionals, especially physicians, have spent most of their adult lives focused on a single goal – and that often comes at a great cost, both financially and personally. (By the way, I say “seek” because at this point in my career, I doubt any of us ever really find balance.) The best you can hope for is to be wise enough to know that amongst all the balls we are juggling, there are a few that you just can’t let drop without possibly breaking without repair.
As I conclude my talks, I tell those young medical students to practice resiliency; the only constant is change. Remain inquisitive, open yourself to whatever life may bring and enjoy the ride. With a specialty as dynamic and diverse as hospital medicine, you never know where it will take you.
Dr. Epstein is executive vice president & chief medical officer at PreferredOne, and adjunct assistant professor of medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He also serves as Board Secretary of SHM.