Royston leadership and business coach Amy Englemark has published a new book.
PowerFULL: How to remain calm and joyful when everything feels out of control offers practical strategies to take control of your life and create a radically better future by mastering your emotions and self-talk.
Englemark works with health-care leaders on their mental health, burnout prevention, career transitions and behavioural change, and has helped leaders pursue fulfilling work, without sacrificing their health on the altar of “service.”
Service over self
Physicians are a prime example of professionals who put service over self. Why? Because they’re deeply caring people who want to help their patients experience the best health possible. The problem is, their own mental and emotional health can suffer in the process.
“Imagine this. You’re a doctor who sees 30-35 patients in your clinic every day,” said Englemark, in a press release. “Before work you make your kids lunch with the most nutritious ingredients that each one likes to eat. You get them out the door. Win!
“Maybe you tried to sneak in some quiet time or even some exercise before heading to work, likely though, you felt you didn’t have time. Like most days, you decided to skip lunch. If you planned ahead, you might’ve grabbed a banana and some nuts and ate it around 2 p.m. while wondering why your patience levels were going downhill. Finally you get home, late again, challenged by what to make for dinner. Your mind is filled with the hours of charting and referrals that still need your attention, where you’ll find the time to connect with your spouse and how to deal with that uncomfortable family issue that keeps causing emotional strain.”
Add to that the questions many physicians ask themselves on a daily basis:
• What will my role at the clinic or hospital look like next year considering all of the changes happening with the new healthcare delivery model?
• Will I be able to take any time off without feeling constant guilt? We’re so short staffed!”
Who helps the help?
The general population goes to see their doctor for help but who do the doctors reach out to in times of uncertainty?
With a few simple mindset and practical strategies, more doctors could feel much happier and more energized, even when they make mistakes, when work threatens to drown them or when family stress piles up.
How can patients help?
• Be compassionate and patient when you’re in the office with your doctor.
• Respect that they literally only have 10 minutes to help you so they’re not being rude when they say they have to move on to their next appointment.
• Treat them like a human who makes mistakes just like any one of us, instead of someone who’s capable of saving everyone who walks into their office.
The book is available at amazon.ca.
For more information about Englemark’s work, or to book an interview, bit.ly/3yw3XWZ