In Private Practice, There's Very Little 'Off' Time

By Melissa Young, MD | March 19, 2012

Last week, I was in the middle of writing an addendum to my blog entry, when I was interrupted by something. I don't remember what now. A patient phone call? Patient waiting in an exam room? Staff had a question? In any case, whatever it was, it was enough to make me completely forget what I was doing.

Later that night, I woke up wondering how I ended my post. I knew exactly how I started, but I couldn't remember how I closed it out. When I got my version of the Physicians Practice Highlights from the Blog e-newsletter, I realized that I never did.

I have woken up in the middle of the night with all kinds of ideas, things to do, and wish-I-had-dones. I need to call the electrician. I should set up a retirement plan. I should have given Mrs. Smith a new meter. I shouldn't have let Mr. Jones talk to the staff that way.

Very often, when I have these 3 a.m. revelations, I dwell on them for I don't know how long. Late at night, weekends, even vacations, I cannot turn off my "work brain." Even now, between little league baseball innings, I'm writing this blog. I've gotten online CME while waiting at the dentist. I ordered toner on my iPhone lying in bed Sunday morning.

There was a certain advantage to being employed. When I was off, I was off. As a business owner/employer/landlord/physician, I am never truly off. Vacation just means that I am not physically present.

OK. Gotta run. Baseball practice is over. Oh, and I'll finish that addendum next week.

Find out more about Melissa Young and our other Practice Notes bloggers.

by Keith Martin | March 23, 2012 7:34 AM EDT

Posted by Dike Drummond, MD:
Hey Dr. Young - I get you 100%. Here's what it looks like from my viewpoint on the outside.
As an employed physician ... your employer handed you your boundaries - ready made and preformed.
As an entrepreneur ... only you can be responsible for your boundaries. You have to choose them, put them on your calendar, defend them. This is true for ALL entrepreneurs ... just that being an MD is the #800 gorilla that must have boundaries or it will take over. (my latest blog post is on exactly this subject).
I encourage you to figure out where your boundaries are and create a structure to make them solid. Otherwise your middle of the night energy leaks are putting you in danger of burnout sooner rather than later.

My Two Cents,Dike

Dike Drummond MD, www.TheHappyMD (dot) com

by HENRY MPOFU | March 20, 2012 2:01 PM EDT

I identify with you Dr Young and I agree with Dike. Only structure and order will get you the rest you need. You may have to swallow hard and accept that some things are not worth eatiing into your "off" time.

Good luck!

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In Private Practice, There's Very Little 'Off' Time

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