Leadership by Reflection:
The Light Every Physician Carries
by Caroline G. Ploeger, M2
Sitting among medical students from schools across the country at the Association of American Medical Colleges( AAMC) headquarters in Washington, D. C., my perception of leadership in medicine was transformed. To my right, a class president from UNC School of Medicine detailed the path that led her to pursue research. To my left, a student at Weill Cornell Medicine discussed how his passion for college sports translated into how he delivers patient care. Nominated to represent the University of Louisville School of Medicine at AAMC’ s RISE: Developing Future Leaders in Academic Medicine and Science conference for rising second-year medical students, I had the opportunity to engage in leadership development workshops with medical class presidents, student leaders and academic medicine faculty, to not only redefine how I can better serve my institution, but also transform into a more competent leader in medicine.
In a demanding and competitive field, it is easy to seek leadership to advance oneself. However, we all must take a step back and ask ourselves: how can our leadership positions advance others? It is vital to understand that physicians and physicians-in-training are inherent leaders, regardless of the defined roles they may hold in the hospital, community or at home. The most important form of leadership that a physician holds is the one that doesn’ t appear on a curriculum vitae: wearing a white coat is a symbol to the community that you embody trust, advocacy, professionalism and honesty. Having been reshaped in thought, I would like to share with our medical community the following points I believe are essential for doctors as the leaders in caring for the patient – and the system we all endure together.
1. Find your meaning and purpose
Medical students and physicians have an extraordinary amount of knowledge and skills but often find it difficult to define their meaning and purpose. Physician burnout levels are at unprecedented highs. The sad reality is that medical school is often cited as a risk factor for depression and suicidal ideation. There is hope, as these conditions can be prevented by seeking the things that mean the most to us. In life, we work to live, not live to work. Fighting burnout takes serious self-reflection throughout your career, as your interests can and will evolve over time.
Take a moment to ask yourself: What are the problems that mean
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