Some days, I find working as a Family Doctor emotionally and mentally exhausting. We face ongoing and mounting obstacles navigating Canadian Health Care. Advocating for our patients can be a Sisyphean task. However, I maintain hope. I came across an interesting article by Adele Waters in the British Medical Journal titled How Can I Find Hope at Work.
I found the suggestions outlined practical and they resonated with me. She suggests surrounding yourself with people who share your goals and values: to find your tribe. In my experience, this can be a challenge in the community or hospital setting, however I have found that just one colleague is enough to feel more connection and support. The other tip is to add variety to your professional work. The key is to not add MORE work, but replace a small portion of professional work with activities that you find meaningful and intellectually stimulating. In Family Medicine, it might mean sessional work in elder care, addictions medicine or teaching. The final tip: find and connect with individuals who inspire and motivate you in medicine. I am lucky to have inspiring colleagues in my office and on my CME St. Paul's Planning Committee. So today, ask yourself: How can I find hope at work?