**Why Self-Care Needs to Be Medicine’s New Norm**
In an insightful conversation on The Podcast by KevinMD, pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her piece, “Why self-care needs to be medicine’s new norm.” The article challenges the deeply rooted belief in medical communities that self-sacrifice is commendable, while self-care is merely a luxury. Mahoney advocates for a shift in perspective, arguing that taking care of oneself should be recognized not as an indulgence but as a critical, indispensable element of practicing medicine effectively.
Jessie emphasizes that the most crucial asset for a physician is their energy. Continuous depletion of this energy can lead to poor decisions, burnout, and a series of adverse outcomes. She suggests a revolutionary framework: view self-care not only as a stopgap measure during crises but as ongoing “essential maintenance” that prevents emergencies and ensures smooth functioning—a concept similar to regular safety checks in surgery.
This newly framed viewpoint regards rest and recovery as vital to effective and sustainable healthcare delivery, compelling the medical culture to treat them as essential aspects of patient care.
**Promoting the Self-Care Culture**
Kevin Pho, the host of The Podcast by KevinMD, highlights the historical reverence for self-sacrifice in the medical field. Jessie recognizes this but observes a shift toward a deeper acknowledgment of self-care’s significance. She imagines a future where advocating for self-care is unnecessary because it becomes a default expectation, akin to the routine medical check-ups now recommended for patients.
Jessie points out the necessity of making small yet significant adjustments within personal routines. Minor, consistent practices—like integrating brief moments of mindfulness or quick, refreshing walks—can greatly improve physician well-being without burdening already full schedules. Additionally, she underscores the importance of systemic support, suggesting organizational initiatives that facilitate the balance between personal health and professional duties for medical practitioners.
**Establishing Supportive Systems**
Jessie Mahoney stresses the importance of medical organizations prioritizing and normalizing self-care for healthcare workers. Potential actions may include creating structured support systems that enable self-care without increasing stress for clinicians. Strategies could involve institutional policies that safeguard time for medical visits or offer resources such as mental health services and coaching.
The challenge is to transform entrenched cultural norms within medical education and practice. The movement for change starts with recognizing that self-care is not a selfish act but a fundamental element of patient care, ensuring that medical professionals stay healthy and effective in their roles.
**Final Insight**
Jessie’s concluding message reiterates the importance of investing in oneself to avert burnout and sustain a rewarding career in medicine. She advocates for self-care to be a standard for both patients and their providers, fostering a culture where preventive care is customary. By embracing a proactive approach to self-care, individuals and organizations can cultivate a sustainable healthcare environment that benefits both practitioners and patients.