Dr Ron Ehrlich BDS. FACNEM. FASLM. CIECL.
As a healthcare practitioner for over four decades, I’ve seen countless colleagues grapple with discovering their optimal performance zone. In my recent conversation with Dr. Tabitha Healey, we delved into this vital aspect of sustainable healthcare practice, and I’d like to share some critical insights.
The Point of Diminishing ReturnsIn healthcare, we often believe that more effort equals better care. Yet my experience and research tell a different story. When we work beyond our optimal hours, our effectiveness decreases significantly. Mental fatigue clouds our clinical decision-making, physical exhaustion affects our patient communication, and emotional depletion reduces our capacity for empathy and connection at work and home.
Understanding the Modern ContextThe healthcare environment has transformed dramatically in recent years. Our patients now have unprecedented access to information and choice, while we contend with constant technological connectivity and rising expectations. Add to this the increasing administrative burdens, complex regulatory requirements, and financial pressures of running a practice today, and we find ourselves navigating a particularly challenging landscape.
Signs You’re Past Your Sweet SpotAs healthcare providers, we need to be aware of specific warning signs. If you find it hard to maintain focus during consultations, take longer to make routine decisions, or feel more irritable with staff or patients, these are clear indicators. Sleep disturbances, diminished job satisfaction, and strained personal relationships should also raise red flags that you’ve moved beyond your optimal operating zone.
Finding Your Professional Sweet SpotThrough my discussions with Dr. Healey and my own experience, I’ve discovered that locating your sweet spot requires a holistic approach. It begins with regular self-assessment using tools like the Life Wheel. You can also consider the Workplace Wellbeing Assessment below and share it with your staff. You are all connected and all affected by stress in the workplace.
Engage in regular reflections on your energy levels and work satisfaction. Pay attention to your patient and staff feedback and outcomes—they often reveal more about our performance than we realise.
Creating Sustainable PracticeThe key to sustainability lies in setting clear boundaries. This involves implementing structured breaks throughout your day, establishing technology-free periods, and maintaining a distinct separation between work and home life. Your physical wellbeing is crucial as well—regular outdoor exercise, proper nutrition, and consistent, quality sleep are not luxuries; they are necessities for optimal performance at work and at home.
A Personal NoteI’ve noticed something fascinating throughout my career: the most effective healthcare providers aren’t always those who work the longest hours or see the most patients. Rather, they are the ones who have discovered their optimal balance point – their sweet spot – where they can consistently provide high-quality care while looking after their wellbeing.
It’s also crucial to identify what defines the difference in your practice. In today’s world of informed patients and abundant choices, we need to understand why patients would not only choose to see us but also happily refer others for years to come.
Remember, finding your sweet spot isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of continuous adjustment and refinement. The future of healthcare depends not just on our clinical expertise but also on our ability to maintain consistent, high-quality care through sustainable practices. This requires a fundamental shift in how we view professional excellence—not as a measure of endurance but as a balance of effectiveness and well-being.
Let’s continue this vital conversation to create more sustainable healthcare practices.
Book a FREE Discovery Call with Dr. Ron Ehrlich to discuss your needs and how we might work together. CLICK HERE.
Try the Unstress Health Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Report. CLICK HERE
