Three total joint replacement surgeons discuss how they de-stress and avoid burnout.
Ask TJR surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedic care. We invite all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
The new round of the series will begin in August.
Question: What activities help you de-stress professionally?
G. Daxton Steele, MD. Total Joint Replacement Surgeon at Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (Gulf Breeze, Fla.): "I enjoy competing in Crossfit events, which keep me in shape and allow me to stay competitive. I also enjoy golfing, fishing, hunting and spending time with my family. You can't have your life 100 percent focused on work. You have to have time for yourself and for your family and other things you care about. I think that having room for these other things makes you a better physician in the long run."
Michael J. Chmell, MD. Medical Director at OrthoIllinois (Rockford): "I try to de-stress in a mindless fashion, watching television or reading books. I also de-stress by finding alternative stressful activities, such as watching Notre Dame football. Lastly, participating in activities requiring a different knowledge and skill set such as fishing and hunting is useful."
Jeffrey C. Davis, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center (Birmingham, Ala.): "Taking time way from the practice can be difficult and almost always causes stress and increased work upon return. It is critical that one has some balance in their life. My faith and my family are two bedrocks that I rely on to diminish stress. Spending time with my spouse and time studying the Bible are important to me to maintain balance against the demands of a busy practice.
The profession can become all-consuming…very easily. Having the reality check with my family, and realizing that life has more meaning than what I do and what I am is very important. Exercise is great for body and mind and I make an effort to do it (although not nearly as much as I would like or should). Friendships should be pursued and nourished. Adventures should be sought and enjoyed."
3 TJR surgeons share their favorite stress-relieving activities
Three total joint replacement surgeons discuss how they de-stress and avoid burnout.
Ask TJR surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to orthopedic surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting orthopedic care. We invite all orthopedic surgeon and specialist responses.
The new round of the series will begin in August.
Question: What activities help you de-stress professionally?
G. Daxton Steele, MD. Total Joint Replacement Surgeon at Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine (Gulf Breeze, Fla.): "I enjoy competing in Crossfit events, which keep me in shape and allow me to stay competitive. I also enjoy golfing, fishing, hunting and spending time with my family. You can't have your life 100 percent focused on work. You have to have time for yourself and for your family and other things you care about. I think that having room for these other things makes you a better physician in the long run."
Michael J. Chmell, MD. Medical Director at OrthoIllinois (Rockford): "I try to de-stress in a mindless fashion, watching television or reading books. I also de-stress by finding alternative stressful activities, such as watching Notre Dame football. Lastly, participating in activities requiring a different knowledge and skill set such as fishing and hunting is useful."
Jeffrey C. Davis, MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center (Birmingham, Ala.): "Taking time way from the practice can be difficult and almost always causes stress and increased work upon return. It is critical that one has some balance in their life. My faith and my family are two bedrocks that I rely on to diminish stress. Spending time with my spouse and time studying the Bible are important to me to maintain balance against the demands of a busy practice.
The profession can become all-consuming…very easily. Having the reality check with my family, and realizing that life has more meaning than what I do and what I am is very important. Exercise is great for body and mind and I make an effort to do it (although not nearly as much as I would like or should). Friendships should be pursued and nourished. Adventures should be sought and enjoyed."