Taking a Break from Medicine: David Olson’s Quest to Rediscover Joy and Meaning
The field of medicine has undergone significant changes in recent years, particularly intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting healthcare business models. In this environment, healthcare providers are increasingly grappling with heavy burdens that impact their mental health, personal connections, and job fulfillment. A poignant narrative that illustrates this challenge is that of David Olson, a physician assistant who made a courageous and uplifting choice—he stepped away from his medical profession, at least for a time—to reconnect with joy, meaning, and family.
A Profession at the Edge
David Olson devoted over ten years to working in both hospitalist and primary care roles in Oklahoma. His entrance into medicine was centered around purpose, dedication, and service. Nevertheless, as time went on, Olson found himself in a precariously unsustainable work setting. He characterized his relationship with medicine as becoming “unhealthy” and even “borderline abusive”—terms that underscore the gravity of clinician burnout in the contemporary healthcare landscape.
Factors leading to Olson’s burnout included the dehumanization of patient care, an emphasis on unrealistic productivity goals at the expense of well-being, and overwhelming systemic stress due to staffing shortages and bureaucratic excess. He recounted dispiriting encounters, like patients dismissing medical counsel in favor of pseudoscience and confrontational behavior from those seeking controlled substances. His shift from hospitalist to a value-driven primary care model did not ease these strains—indeed, it magnified them.
The Impact on Personal Well-being
The repercussions of burnout extended beyond Olson’s work life. The persistent stress started to undermine his mental health and overall well-being, straining his relationships with his spouse and children. He found himself emotionally drained, irritable, and disengaged at home. Leadership responsibilities and workplace changes amidst private equity transitions only exacerbated the pressure.
Even though he attempted to foster resilience through minor adjustments, Olson recognized that superficial changes would not suffice. Gradual modifications were unable to counterbalance the deep-rooted disillusionment and emotional burden of his role. It was then that he and his wife resolved to take a radical hiatus.
Reclaiming Family and Freedom: A Bold Decision
After careful consideration and mutual encouragement, David and his wife opted for a one-year sabbatical from medicine to explore the world with their three young children. They left behind the safety and routine of a physician assistant role, embracing instead an adventure marked by quality family time, global exploration, and emotional recovery.
At first glance, this decision may seem daunting. Many professionals yearn for such a reset but are hindered by financial worries or societal pressures. However, Olson believes it is more feasible than most assume. His family operates on a single income, yet they developed a financially sound plan that facilitated their year-long journey. They are currently several months into their adventure, having visited four countries across Asia, with plans to continue into Europe.
Facing Guilt and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
Taking a career break, especially after years of education and clinical training, can accompany an underlying sense of guilt. While Olson felt no regret about stepping back from his career, he acknowledged some emotional challenges when his children expressed longing for home or friends. However, he stressed that these instances were far exceeded by the advantages of strengthening family bonds and shared adventures.
For colleagues who feel trapped or overwhelmed in their positions, Olson encourages self-compassion and bravery. “Many people contemplate doing something different but never take the plunge,” he remarks. “They get stuck in analysis paralysis.” He posits that what differentiates those who dream from those who take action is the readiness to make uncomfortable yet transformative choices.
From Burnout to Hope: The Importance of a Break
It remains uncertain what Olson’s next professional chapter will entail. As he travels the world with his family, he is also reflecting on his forthcoming steps in healthcare, whether to reengage in clinical practice or carve out a new direction. One thing is clear: the break is fulfilling its intended role as a reset, providing clarity, fulfillment, and healing time that a reactive system never provided.
Olson’s narrative contributes to a growing conversation in medicine—one that calls on institutions to prioritize clinician well-being and stresses the significance of individuals recognizing their mental and emotional health needs. More crucially, he demonstrates that taking a break is not a weakness but a bold reclamation of one’s autonomy and an act of courageous self-care.
A Message to Healthcare Professionals
For medical professionals teetering on the edge of burnout, Olson extends a straightforward yet potent message: “It’s okay to take a break.” Be it a month, six months, or an entire year, time away can yield transformative outcomes. Although the logistics of a sabbatical may appear overwhelming, Olson asserts that it is more achievable than it seems. “It merely requires creativity, planning, and the readiness to challenge the belief that