MDNews - Greater Boston

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +++ +PhYSICIAN lIFE BAlANCE +++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Time for PART TIME? By Rachel Stewart mAIntAInIng worK/lIfe BAlAnCe CAn Be ChAllengIng for phYSICIAnS. howeVer, ShIftIng to A pArt-tIme SChedUle mAY enhAnCe Both perSonAl And profeSSIonAl fUlfIllment. W h i l e t h e av e r ag e American worker may put in 40 hours a week, a physician's workload might start at 80-plus hours, leaving time for little else — with burnout not far behind. If you're feeling like you're treading water trying to get through your daily appointments while running your practice, it might be time to take a step back. "Anytime you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed by the responsibilities of a full-time practice, I would look at these two places in this order," says Dike Drummond, MD, Life and Career Strategist for physicians. "[First], look for ways to systemize and delegate work that does not require a physician. This always involves honing your leadership skills, asking more questions and delegating to your team. [Second], 12 | Greater Boston MD News ■ mdnewS.com when you feel you have maximized these efforts, then a less-than-full-time practice may make sense." making the move If you're ready to take the leap to working part time, here are some tips for maintaining quality care for your patients while enjoying those extra hours off the clock. Communicate clearly with your coverage partners. Just because you've cut back your time in the office doesn't mean the care your patients have come to expect has to change. Take time to regularly meet with any other providers who will be working with patients and discuss the best ways to keep your practice running smoothly. "Sometimes the move to part time has physicians relaxing their work habits and being less effective," says Dr. Drummond. "You must maintain maximal patient flow, workflow and documentation efficiency for your part-time contract to actually require only part-time hours to complete." set boundaries for yourself. While it might be tempting to take just one more patient call, it's important to maintain the work hours you've set for yourself. "Do your work, check out and do not continue to answer patient or staff calls when you are off work," says Dr. Drummond. "Sometimes lingering feelings of 'not pulling your weight' as a less-than-full-timer can have you answering all sorts of calls that eat into the time off you worked so hard to obtain." Are you considering taking your medical practice part time? Weigh in on the pros and cons at www.MDNews.com. ■

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