Mindset

T-Transform into the New You

There are certain rigid thoughts that keep us stuck:

I’m a physician, so I ALWAYS be perfect.

I can’t let my guard down ever.

Medicine is all I know how to do!

Whether you say them out loud or not, these thoughts crawl into your brain and begin to live there rent-free unless you take steps to identify them and shoo them out. The last piece of MINDSET equips you to do just that. The “T” - Transformation, will allow you to identify and pursue your joy, regardless of the criticism of others.  

To recap the series, we’ve talked about Moving Out of Your Own Way; Identifying Your Overwhlem; Navigating Away From the Naysayers; Discovering Your Authentic Self; Seeking a New Perspective; and Eliciting Hel from Mentors.  

Now it’s… Read More

E – Elicit Help From Mentors

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My mother, grandmother and medical school mentor, Dr. Vivian Pinn at my graduation. I was officially Lynette Charity MD. 1978 Tufts School of Medicine

Mentors are the opposite of Dream Smashers, but you can find them in the same places. They can be your friends, family, administrators or colleagues. 

How do you differentiate a Mentor from a Dream Smasher? The first hint is that they’ll be supportive of your goals. They will be your soundboard, cheerleader and biggest believers. Mentors are dream keepers, door openers and motivators. A mentor will help you see what is holding you back and provide the guidance to get you unstuck. 

Most importantly, mentors are supporters. You should have at least one. 

Medical Mentors 

If… Read More

S – Seek a New Perspective of what is right for YOU

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Dr. Charity in 7th Grade and 8th grade

My journey to where I am today started with a new perspective. Growing up in the segregated south, my options seemed limited early on. Was I only capable of being a part of The Help like my great-grandmothers, or a teacher of Negro kids like my great-aunt or a mother? For years, my perspective on my life was one of despair.

Then, at the age of 9, my new perspective came to me in the form of a new TV medical drama called Ben Casey. 

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Ben Casey, a fictional physician, inspired me to think BIGGER. Watching him serve his patients gave me hope. Why… Read More

D – Discover Your True Authentic Self

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What does it mean to be authentic? The word is bantered around a lot these days. Do your actions and words align with your beliefs and values?  

What a bunch of gobblety-gook!

For me, being authentic answers the question “Are YOU the title you want people to see or are you the person you want to be?” Does being YOU bring YOU joy?” 

How do we find that real deal person in ourselves? 

The Story of Laughing Lynette

It took me a while to find my true self. Let’s call her Laughing Lynette.  For years, Laughing Lynette lived in the shadows because Logical Lynette had issues and obstacles to deal with. There was no time… Read More

N – Navigate Far, Far, Far Away From Your Naysayers

Here is an excerpt from a Toastmasters’ International award-winning speech I wrote in 2013. I titled it “Beware of the Dreamsmashers”.

Dreamsmashers! They’re everywhere and can be anyone.  A parent, a sibling, a spouse, a friend, a friend of a friend.  Their purpose...to SQUISH, SQUASH, STOMP on your dreams and aspirations using ridicule and snide remarks. They plant the seed of self-doubt in your mind and enjoy watching it grow until your dream is nothing but a memory.

Have you met anyone like this? What did you do?  Did you believe someone else’s perception of who you are? Are you living with… Read More

I – Identify Your Overwhelm: Creating Physician Health

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Photo by SIphotography via Getty Images Pro

I received my MD in the May of 1978. As I walked across the makeshift outdoor stage built to accommodate the parade of over 180 soon-to-be physicians, I was grinning from ear-to-ear. Four years of ups and downs following my dream walked across the stage with me. This was a glorious end. I knew there would be more challenges along my path, however THIS one was about to be over with a flip of the tassel on my mortar board. Hallelujah!

In those days, I didn’t think much about physician health and wellness. There were other things on my mind. In two months, I’d begin my internship. I was single and ready to commit my life - to my passion. 

I saw no room for… Read More

M – Move out of your own way: How I overcame physician burnout

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Photo by PeopleImages via Getty Images Signature

I had been wanting to do something else for quite some time when I was fired from my hospital-based employee job. 

After over 30 years of practicing Anesthesiology, and at the age of 60, I found myself at a crossroads. The first thing I thought after “You’re Fired!” was “What else can I do?” “Maybe I should just retire?”

My physician burnout burst out of me all at once in the form of an explosion of emotion directed at the head of my department.  It had bubbled inside of me for a few months.  

I’d found the EMR difficult; the drug-dispensing machine difficult, and the administrators who dictated how I practiced difficult. I did not like my situation, however,… Read More