Reducing Stress, Focusing on What’s Important

Medical and business aspects of practice can be complex, challenging

The theme of office management for this issue of our journal is a bit daunting. Although my practice consists of four physicians covering three locations with over 30 employees, I am no expert in practice management. Thinking about this topic, however, reminds me of how difficult and complex our lives can be as physicians.

Think of how much time and effort is involved in just the medical aspects of our practices. These aspects alone can be overwhelming.

We must all keep abreast of advances in medical knowledge and technology. New diagnostic and surgical techniques are being developed almost daily, and it is our responsibility to offer proven upgrades to our patients. In addition the state mandates a minimum number of continuing medical education hours we must complete each year. We frequently find the quest for CME credits takes us away from our practices to out-of-town seminars and conventions.

Now think about the multitude of physicians who are also charged with managing an office practice. This calls for completely different skill sets, which are not taught in medical school. Although many management tasks can be delegated to office managers, the ultimate responsibility of seeing these tasks accomplished falls on us, the physicians.

One of the most challenging aspects of office management is the supervision of employees. The ease or difficulty of this task depends on many factors, including the size of the practice, the ability to delegate to an office manager, the division of labor within a practice (clerical vs. technical) and most importantly the interpersonal skills and personality of the physician.

Office management also encompasses the review of operations, human resources, payroll, bookkeeping and office supplies. Scheduling policies must be established and monitored. Patient flow must be instituted to maximize office efficiency. Effective communication techniques must be developed for patients and referring physicians.

Workup protocols must be established for either written or electronic records. Equipment repair is an ongoing concern, as is the need to upgrade technology and keep current technological supplies.

The demands of the medical and business aspects of a practice are burdensome and complex, but success in both areas is essential to a flourishing practice. Many physicians understandably obsess over these issues, and this obsession frequently leads to fatigue and stress. Stress can interfere with our ability to deal with the very issues which determine our success or failure.

Stress often carries over into our family lives as well. Frequently families are put on the back burners during the most active years of our practices. This often leads to marriage difficulties and even more stress.

The realization that the Medical Society could be doing more to reduce stress in our lives was awakened in me by the recent Physician Wellness Symposium we sponsored. The Symposium was the brainchild of SLMMS Councilor Bob Brennan, MD. Dr. Brennan put together a program that was well-attended and well-received.

Roger Smith, MD of the University of Missouri-Kansas City presented the topic of “Fatigue-A Not So Hidden Threat.” His talk touched on sleep patterns, the effect of prolonged working hours and the use of caffeine.

Psychologist Dr. Ralph Orlovick presented “Mindsets Conducive to Good Mental Health.” Dr. Orlovick characterized mental health as happiness, peace of mind and sense of well-being or satisfaction with one’s situation. He stressed that we should remember that being a physician is what we do, not who we are.

Tom McNeill of the Missouri State Medical Association Insurance Agency talked on “Minimizing Risk To Minimize Worry” and Bill Bender of Mason Road Wealth Advisors suggested we “Focus on Medicine, Not the Markets.”

The seminar served as a strong reminder that we should be focusing on what is really important in life, namely our good mental health and the overall welfare of our families. This should be the basis of success in our professional lives.

Based on the success of our conference I will be an advocate for more educational sessions promoting healthy private and family lives.

The reduction of stress in our lives can lead to greater happiness, and can enhance our efforts to succeed professionally.