Overcoming Adversity as an Early Career Physician w/ Dr. Amna Shabbir (Ep. #32)

The Physician's Path: Essential Keys to Building Self-Resilience Early in Your Medical Career

Burnout is a pervasive issue among early career physicians, and Dr. Amna Shabbir knows this struggle all too well. As a young attending physician and the founder of the Early Career Physicians Institute, Dr. Shabbir has dedicated herself to exploring and advocating for mental wellness practices that can help healthcare professionals manage the chronic stress of their careers. In this article, we delve into Dr. Shabbir's personal experiences with journaling and meditation, the systemic issues contributing to physician burnout, and her ongoing efforts to support her peers.

Rediscovering Journaling

Dr. Shabbir's journey with mental wellness began with a practice she cherished since childhood: journaling. This simple yet powerful tool has helped her navigate the tumultuous waters of a demanding medical career. Even on good days, taking a minute to jot down her thoughts and feelings provides a moment of reflection and recalibration. Dr. Shabbir uses a journaling app, making it a convenient and integral part of her daily routine. This practice allows her to maintain a balanced perspective, mitigating the risk of severe mental strain.

Exploring Meditation

While journaling has been a long-standing ally, meditation is a relatively new addition to Dr. Shabbir's mental wellness toolkit. Despite her novice status, she has experienced significant benefits from incorporating meditation into her routine. Meditation offers her a respite from the constant demands of her profession, enabling her to manage stress more effectively and enhance her overall well-being. Dr. Shabbir emphasizes that one does not need to be an expert to reap the rewards of meditation; even small, consistent efforts can make a difference.

The Importance of Self-Reflection and Mindfulness

Dr. Shabbir underscores the critical role of self-reflection and mindfulness in overcoming adversity. For her, recognizing her intrinsic value beyond professional achievements was a transformative realization. This shift in mindset was particularly pivotal during her transition into geriatric medicine, a field she found deeply fulfilling after experiencing burnout in primary care. The pandemic, coupled with the birth of her daughter, forced her to reevaluate her career and personal life, ultimately leading to further medical training and a fellowship in geriatrics.

Addressing Systemic Issues

Burnout among early career physicians is often exacerbated by systemic issues within the healthcare system. Dr. Shabbir points out that the traditional model's excessive patient load and time constraints create an environment ripe for burnout. Her perfectionist tendencies, combined with these systemic pressures, led to early burnout in her career, even before the pandemic struck. As a new mother, she faced additional emotional challenges, including postpartum depression. Dr. Shabbir advocates for recognizing and addressing the unique burnout experiences of each physician and creating supportive spaces, especially for mothers in medicine.

Overcoming Shame and Seeking Support

One of the most profound aspects of Dr. Shabbir's journey has been her battle with shame and feelings of inadequacy. She found that openly sharing her struggles, particularly in an article published on Mother's Day, was a turning point. The outpouring of support she received helped her overcome the shame and feel valued and heard. Dr. Shabbir encourages other physicians to voice their challenges, seek support from peers and communities, and not face their struggles alone.

For early career physicians, setting boundaries and prioritizing self-worth are essential steps to prevent burnout. Dr. Shabbir emphasizes the importance of saying no to excessive demands and being mindful of what one wants to share with others. Effective communication about one's limits and worth can help create a healthier work environment and promote long-term career sustainability.

Financial Wellness and Advocacy

Dr. Shabbir also highlights the importance of financial wellness for physicians. Negotiating fair pay and schedules, gaining financial literacy, and planning for the future are crucial for reducing stress and ensuring a prosperous career. She is heartened by the growing number of advocates for financial wellness and entrepreneurship among physicians.

Dr. Amna Shabbir's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and advocacy. Through journaling, meditation, self-reflection, and open communication, she has navigated the challenges of burnout and emerged stronger. Her ongoing efforts to support early career physicians through coaching, resources, and advocacy are a testament to her dedication to the well-being of her peers. By sharing her journey, Dr. Shabbir offers valuable insights and inspiration to those facing similar struggles, reminding them that they are not alone and that taking action towards personal growth is both possible and necessary.