Q&A: ‘Focus on what you can control,’ prioritize personal wellness to combat burnout
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Key takeaways:
- Burnout isn’t your fault, E. Shanika Esparaz, MD, told Women in Medicine Summit attendees.
- Her three key takeaways are to slow down, control the “20%” and implement simple and realistic wellness habits.
CHICAGO — It’s never too late for health care professionals to take control of their wellness, according to a speaker at Women in Medicine Summit.
During her talk, “Mastering your mindset: prevent and overcome burnout,” E. Shanika Esparaz, MD, double board-certified ophthalmologist and lifestyle medicine specialist, certified health and well-being coach, and practice owner of Envision Ophthalmology & Wellness in Cleveland, Ohio, highlighted the importance of creating time for yourself, seeking support and practicing healthy habits to reduce burnout.
Healio spoke with Esparaz about the key takeaways from her talk and how women in medicine can combat burnout on their own or through resources such as coaching.
Healio: Why is a meeting like the Women in Medicine Summit so important for the field?
Esparaz: The Women in Medicine Summit is crucial because it creates a space for women to connect, share experiences and learn strategies to overcome challenges in the medical field. It emphasizes the importance of addressing systemic issues like burnout and promotes wellness, leadership and collaboration. After we finish training, there is so much more to learn to not just survive but thrive as an attending.
Healio: What are the key takeaways from your talk?
Esparaz: The key takeaways are centered around three main frameworks:
- Slow down: Prioritize giving yourself time by removing nonessential tasks, setting boundaries and practicing mindfulness. Creating time for yourself is the first step toward real change and aligning your reality with your dreams.
- Control the “20%” (ie, the 20% of burnout that is within your control): Identify the specific causes of your burnout (eg, workload, compensation, compassion fatigue) and work on practical solutions. Focus on what you can control.
- Implement simple and realistic wellness habits: Healthy habits like moving more, eating better, improving sleep and spending quality time with loved ones help create stronger boundaries and reduce burnout.
Healio: What advice do you have for women in medicine who are feeling burnt out?
Esparaz: My advice is to slow down, recognize your strengths and take the time to realign your life with what matters most. Don’t wait for the “right” time — it’s never too late to take control of your wellness. If you’re feeling burnt out, start by focusing on the aspects you can change and don’t be afraid to seek support through coaching or other resources.
You deserve to be happy and fulfilled in your career, and taking small steps toward change can lead to big transformations. Remember, burnout isn’t your fault. If you’re in a toxic work environment, no amount of personal change will fix that — it’s OK to leave and pivot.
Reference:
- Esparaz S. Mastering your mindset: Prevent and overcome burnout. Presented at: Women in Medicine Summit; Sept. 13-14, 2024; Chicago.
For more information:
E. Shanika Esparaz, MD, can be reached at info@envisioncleveland.net.
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