Written by Rick Zollinger, MD

As a physician, have you ever found yourself thinking, “Well, I wish they told me this was how it is.” The omnipresent “they” is your doctors and mentors in medical school. When you’ve reached double digits of years served, like me, you’ve encountered many highs and many lows. Sure, some of the challenges physicians faced were predictable, expected even. But there were so many challenges along the way that surprised me.

As a coach myself, I’m passionate about molding young minds and supporting the future of medicine. I know healthcare is continuously evolving, but the tried-and-true traditions of medical practice are still rooted in these evolutions. Allow me to impart one of the bigger nuggets of wisdom I’ve learned throughout my career.

The Business of Medicine

When I left residency, I was excited. But it didn’t take long for me to realize I knew nothing about the business of medicine. Sure, I knew bedside manner, patient care, charting, and how to ask for expert opinions. But the business side wasn’t taught. I bet your friends and colleagues who ventured into private practice, corporate healthcare, or even non-profit clinics had no idea what was involved politically. Because these nuances simply aren’t taught in medical school.

In today’s world, the word “politics” carries a lot of meaning. That definition varies for everyone. But politics, at its core, is really about people and relationships. Think about it, the interpractice hierarchies, the physician schedules, committees, reports, EMRs, and cutthroat competition that is nearly bred into you…is all about politics.

Medical students are the best of the best. The cream of the crop, if you will. And whether you’re in your first year of medical school or you’re beginning your residency, I bet my best collection of golf clubs you cherish your autonomy. There is nothing wrong with that! But you have to learn how to work with people on the business side of medicine. As medicine becomes more corporate, the folks who teach young physicians may not be peer physicians, but administrators.

These teachers are still good people, but administrative goals and clinical goals sometimes differ. Despite the differences, administrators and physicians will always be colleagues. In healthcare politics, you have to learn early on how to manage your own expectations and the expectations of your superiors. Ask the right questions.

Don’t be afraid to seek clarity when things seem muddy. You are not expected to know everything on your first day of residency. Lean into learning.

Follow Your Joy

As a young physician entering practice, I bet you are excited, energetic, and looking forward to your new world. One thing I have observed as I get older is that young students seem to choose their specialty based on lifestyle or income. I’d say these are two very important factors, but the most important factor when it comes to choosing a specialty should be “do what you love.” When you do what you love, every day is filled with passion and excitement. And don’t worry if what you love changes over time, because it might!

You must learn how to tune out the “should” in your life. Your family, friends, peers, and mentors may all weigh in on what specialty should be right for you. This decision is yours to make and yours alone. Seek counsel from those you trust, but listen to your heart and follow your joy when you make your final decision. My advice is to always nurture your excitement. There may be days when that is the only thing that can help carry you through the day.

My father used to say to me, “Don’t be freeze-dried at 40, always learn new things.” By being a lifelong learner, you are constantly inviting new excitement and joy into your life. I may be retired from medical practice, but I’m currently learning four languages, golfing, serving as a physician coach, and even making TikToks!

The Power of a Coach

Ok, I get it. Becoming a doctor is tough. So much to consider. So many obstacles to overcome. Such stress! When I think back on my career, I firmly believe coaching would have served me well as a young medical student and resident. Why? Well, coaching is having a trusted person listen to you and serve as a North Star when you need it. A coach is a sounding board for your fears and your expectations. A coach won’t give you solutions or diagnose your challenges. Instead, they will ask insightful questions that help you discover your own solutions.

As a coach, my last piece of advice is this: take a sabbatical every five years or so. Make it 100% non-medical. This will allow you time to recharge, redirect your energy, and relaunch. You will be absolutely amazed at how you can mentally turn back your own clock. The medical student and resident of today has a far better handle on self-care and mindfulness than my generation. But dare I say, this generation of medical students and residents could possibly benefit the most from having a physician coach on their side. Today, medicine moves at breakneck speed. What you learn today could change tomorrow. And the competition is fierce.

So, stay open-minded and allow others to help you along your path.

Medicine is one of the most rewarding professions out there. Oh, to be in your shoes again. I would do it in a heartbeat! ☤

To learn more about Rick Zollinger, MD, go to https://www.mymdcoaches.com/rick/dr.-rick-zollinger