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Staying resilient is important for orthopedists
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LAHAINA, Hawaii — Due to the stresses that are inherent to their careers, orthopedic surgeons should be aware of professional burnout, or emotional exhaustion, which affects about one-third of physicians during their careers, according to a Philadelphia orthopedist.
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The key to stress reduction is to find happiness and be resilient.
According to John D. Kelly IV, MD, happy physicians are more productive, give better care and are perceived as giving better care. They are also named in fewer malpractice suits, he said during Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2008, held here.
"It is all about the uplifts that you have had in your life and the choices that you make," he said. "It is a big deal how happy you are."
Happiness is a daily choice, Kelly said. "You are a product of your decisions and not of your conditions."
Kelly suggests changing your behavior in a positive way by getting enough rest, eating properly and finding blessings in your surroundings.
"The most productive doctors I know take care of themselves and have good family lives," he said.
Another way to keep positive: do not strive for perfection, he said. "Perfection is an illusion, it is not out there. It breeds frustration, ruins your self-esteem and leaves you thinking you always are missing the mark."
For more information:
- Kelly IV JD. How to stay resilient in orthopedics aka You can't give what you do not have. Presented at Orthopedics Today Hawaii 2008. Jan. 13-16, 2008. Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii.