Well hello there!
Oh my goodness – I am so excited that you are here reading this blog post!
That means you are likely a woman physician, which means you are an incredible human being. Period. (This is not up for debate)
Thank you for being you. Thank you for all you do. You are hard-working, intelligent, and have dedicated much of your life to serving others.
If you’ve found your way to my website, chances are you also are interested in finding ways to be more empowered in both your personal and professional life.
These blog posts will highlight some of the most important take home points from the Empowering Women Physicians podcast.
As some of us are auditory learners, some are visual, and all of us could use little reminders to take better care of ourselves every once in a while.
If you’ve listened to my podcast, starting with Episode 1, you likely remember me getting a little teary talking about the moment a beloved medical student brought me a gift that was a picture of me with my little boy, taken from behind, as we look out at the ocean at sunset. She had the phrase “I will maintain the utmost respect for human life and its quality” written on the frame. As often is the case, our students can be our biggest teachers. It came at a time where I really needed to hear that. I don’t think she could have ever imagined what a big impression her gift and that phrase would have on me.
It became a moment where being a person, a mother, a wife, and choosing to care for myself and my family finally didn’t seem at odds with my identify as a physician. As I am human too. My student so wisely identified that in those rare moments that I pause, to purposefully make space to care for myself and enjoy this life, I am following the words of Hippocrates in caring for my own human life and its quality. As physicians, we must be reminded to do so.
I’ll encourage you to refer back to this page and to this Oath over and over again.
It reminds us that despite all the annoyances and intolerable administrative burdens, we are still a part of the most noble profession. A long line of healers. What was written by Hippocrates, the Founder of Modern Medicine, over 2000 years ago, is equally as relevant today.
Hippocratic Oath
Now being admitted to the profession of medicine,
I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life in the service of humanity.
I will give respect and gratitude to my deserving teachers.
I will practice medicine with conscience and dignity.
The health and life of my patient will be my first consideration.
I will hold in confidence all that my patient confides in me.
I will maintain the honor and noble tradition of the medical profession.
I will not permit consideration of race, gender, religion, nationality, ideology,
or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient.
I will maintain the utmost respect for human life and its quality.
Even under threat, I will not use my knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.
These promises I make freely and upon my honor.