Comments on: Burnout and Fractures

By: Dr. McFrugal

Dr. McFrugal — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 19:33:46 +0000

Interesting post and great analogy. “Maybe your bones are entirely normal, but they were just better designed to do something else.” I think this third option is under-explored. Burnout is a serious issue and I hope I never experience it. Thanks for your insight.

By: Dr. Networth

Dr. Networth — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 01:54:00 +0000

Nice analogy! I like the third possibility but maybe add that over time your bones evolve to do something else.

Also, using the runner’s analogy, with financial independence, you have the ability to do a portion of the marathon or just stop running! 🙂

By: Kate

Kate — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 14:57:54 +0000

Great food for thought! And thanks for sharing the episode, lots of great insight you share on the show 🙂

By: AdventureRich

AdventureRich — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 11:40:39 +0000

I really enjoyed this bit of food for thought. Like you mention, many situations are incredibly complex and you can only realize certain things in hindsight, but looking for signs and trying to improve what you can (such as improving your own health/happiness) can help along the way. Here’s to avoiding burnout and bone breaks of any kind! 🙂

By: WealthyDoc

WealthyDoc — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 11:40:04 +0000

Cool analogy. With my interest in burnout, stress fractures, and osteoporosis I can’t believe I never thought of this comparison. It is a great model.
My approach has been both to reduce the external stressors (admin work, legal work, high risk procedures, and long hours). And also to build up “bone strength” to reflect an improved personal resiliency. Using Wolff’s Law of bone remodeling, I still need times of high stress but I cycle them with other times of relative rest to expand work/stress capacity.

By: Accidental FIRE

Accidental FIRE — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:55:47 +0000

Great comparison. In my case it was probably a little of both (job and me). But also when I found out I was financially independent the mental relief of that added fuel to the fire.

Now I have more time to focus on keeping my bones healthy 🙂

By: VagabondMD

VagabondMD — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:39:53 +0000

Interesting perspective which likely has some validity. My current construct, based on my experience, conversations with others, and perusing burnout literature, is that burnout is more of a mismatch, one that typically evolves over time. It is the result of continuing to try to force a round peg into an increasingly, unforgiving square hole and the failure and friction that is a consequence. I think I need to think a bit more on the subject.

By: The Physician Philosopher

The Physician Philosopher — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 09:51:07 +0000

Good post, HP.

I completely agree, and actually wrote a post with a similar view on this topic today (link below). It is the responsibility of both the individual and the system to fix the burnout problem we have. I love the analogy you use to describe this. It really is spot on.

Here’s to not putting too much stress on these bones! https://thephysicianphilosopher.com/2018/02/21/first-no-harm-empty-cup/

By: Dads Dollars Debts

Dads Dollars Debts — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 04:07:57 +0000

Ah snap…get it…snap.

I think like most things, burnout is a complex dynamic of both factors plus other external factors we are not even sure of. Still focusing on both, in particular the docs resiliency, can be helpful… I have waned in and out of burnout and realize many times it is my reaction to the situation (including not trying to change stressful or inefficient systems) that makes all the difference.

By: DocG

DocG — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 03:04:08 +0000

The problem, as physicians, is that abnormal stress becomes our usual operating mode. Over time, healthy bone becomes unhealthy. Burnout is complex! Great analogy.