Episode 353: Best Of: Thriving Under Pressure with Dr. Gary Simonds

When you’re in the midst of burnout, it can be difficult to recognize the signs and take action. Things may feel the same, but with a depleted amount of overall energy to take on what you normally would. So how can we learn to recognize the signs of burnout? And how can we build resilience in the process?

Joining us today to discuss this complex topic is Dr. Gary Simonds, who, for the past 14 years, has immersed himself in the study of burnout and building resilience. He’s the author of three books on the subject, namely, Building Resilience in Neurosurgical Residents, The Thriving Physician, and Thriving in Healthcare.

Having spent the bulk of his career as a neurosurgeon, Dr. Simonds is no stranger to the toll that this type of work can take on healthcare workers. Tuning in you’ll hear him expand on the nature of burnout, why it can be so difficult to recognize, and what we can do to build resilience. To hear his insights on this complicated subject, and his advice on how to address it, be sure to tune in today!

What you’ll learn about in this episode:

• Why Dr. Simonds chose neurosurgery after an unexpected "epiphany" in his final month of medical school
• How burnout manifests in high-pressure environments and why it often goes unrecognized
• The spectrum nature of burnout and how professionals cycle in and out of its worst components
• Practical strategies for building resilience, including the powerful "harvesting uplifts" technique
• How COVID and cultural shifts have impacted healthcare professional wellbeing
• The importance of finding meaning in difficult circumstances as an antidote to burnout
• Why role-playing and communication training are essential for healthcare providers
• How patients and families can better navigate healthcare interactions
• The courage and grace Dr. Simonds witnessed in patients and families facing life's most difficult moments
• How creative expression, including storytelling, plays a vital role in personal renewal

Transcript: Here

Additional Resources:

Website: https://garyrsimonds.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-simonds-5b0225a/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyrsimonds/

X: https://twitter.com/garyrsimonds

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/garyrsimonds

Links Mentioned:

Building Resilience in Neurosurgical Residents: A Primer

The Thriving Physician: How to Avoid Burnout by Choosing Resilience Throughout Your

Medical Career