On this day, every March 30, National Doctors’ Day, I am reminded of the fantastic contribution doctors have made and continue to be inspired on creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
What Exactly IS Doctors’ Day
It’s an annual celebration of doctors for their contributions to the world of medicine and in their individual communities. The first Doctors’ Day was on March 30, 1933, in Winder, Georgia. As the story goes, Dr. Charles B. Almond’s wife, Eudora Brown Almond, asked the community to mail greeting cards and to place flowers (typically a red carnation) on the graves of the deceased doctors.
March 30 was chosen as it was the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery. On March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford Long of Jefferson, Georgia, used ether to anesthetize a patient and painlessly remove a tumor from his neck.
Memento Mori
“Memento Mori” is a Latin phrase that simply translates to “remember that you will die.” This concept championed by Stoics such as Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, reminds me daily to live a life of purpose and intent.
While at first glance, you may think that meditating on your mortality may be depressing, but I have a different perspective. It reminds me that time is a gift and should never be squandered on trivial things. It’s a personal reminder to live a life of virtue and intent. In doing so, I am creating my lasting legacy.
So how do you want to be remembered?
Let’s get started…
How to Create a Lasting Legacy in Medicine
1. Your Reputation Matters
How will you be remembered? A strong reputation is the foundation that grounds us amidst all the chaos (read: pandemic) and unpredictableness of the world. A great reputation developed over time is the first priority in creating a lasting legacy.
Reputation, like all things great, is a slow and sustained process. But, with intent and action, a slow spark can grow into a roaring fire.
Here are a couple of tips:
Do what you say you will do
This is such a simple thing with a massive return. Trust is the bedrock of our specialty. Our patients place their trust (and their lives) in our hands. And trust is built on small actions, not the dramatic, over-the-top moment we are waiting for. It’s in the day-to-day grind.
'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts,' -William Shakespeare, As You Like ItClick To TweetRemember, as a physician, you are always being watched. Your words carry an enormous amount of weight, as do your actions. Be certain that you don’t disappoint. Keep your word. Honor your commitments. Build that trust.
Model Integrity
Despite knowing that integrity is a must and that we should “always do the right thing,” it is incumbent on us to show integrity in action. Integrity is foundational to our growth as a person and as a professional. It is the quality that demonstrates our honesty, trust, and honor.
Bring your personal values to work. Integrity is so important that it fosters a positive work environment, where everyone knows that all decisions and actions are based on your moral compass. The junior team needs to see that your integrity is uncompromising and a leader on this initiative, even if it is hard. The rewards will be innumerable.
'The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football field, in an army, or in an office.' -Dwight D. Eisenhower Click To Tweet2. Be a Mentor to Others
I would not be here without the incredible mentors that have impacted my personal and professional life. On this Doctors’ Day, we honor those that have come before but must continue work for future generations.
The world of medicine is vast, yet it is still surprisingly tiny within each of our specialties. As we just completed Match Day in the United States, many new interns may be reaching out to you to be a mentor.
Now the thought of being a mentor causes many mixed feelings. Emotions such as anxiousness, confusion, and pride are just a few of them. While many physicians are initially honored to be asked to be a mentor, many turn down these wonderful opportunities simply because they, wrongly, don’t appreciate the role of a mentor in medicine.
Mentorship is an honor with great responsibility, but I want to allay your fears that it is not time-consuming or dull. It pays homage to those who have gone before us and provides you an excellent opportunity to contribute to our fantastic career in medicine. When done correctly, both mentor and mentee are better for it.
3. Be of Service to Others
As physicians, we can take a page from the US Marines Corps. This incredibly tight-knit group places an incredible amount of trust in their fellow Marine. They do this by empowering others to achieve things they, themselves, didn’t know they could achieve.
Think back to your first endotracheal intubation or your first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. You are either taken to a time of true exhilaration or a moment of anger. Looking back, it was your attending that made the difference. The traditional (and ineffective) leader would quickly take over at the slightest bit of discomfort.
In contrast, with patience and understanding, the servant leader empowers others to go beyond their perceived limitations. The servant-leader dares you to be better today than you were yesterday–progress, not perfection.
4. Legacy Requires a Heart of Gratitude
The practice of gratitude will make you a better leader at work and at home. It will improve your day-to-day interactions with your colleagues, family, and friends.
The year 2020 has brought the world untold challenges. Yet, despite all these challenges, I have found that leading my team and my family with a heart of gratitude realigns my mindset and my spirit. I want the same for you, too.
'Gratitude is important not only because it helps us feel good but also because it inspires us to do good. Gratitude impels people to 'pay it forward'—to give to others in some measure like they themselves have received.' -Robert EmmonsClick To Tweet5. Listen More and Talk Less
No one is born a great leader or physician; it takes time and practice. The same can be said for active listening. When you practice active listening, you make the other person feel that you are fully engaged; that you value their opinion and time.
Active listening requires using as many of your senses toward listening to the person. It means paying attention fully to the person you are speaking with.
To begin, maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking with and, under no circumstances, reach or respond to your phone. Additionally, do not interrupt and ask clarifying questions if needed.
A good rule of thumb that I follow if I want to be certain that I am actively listening is if I am fully present and not thinking of a response before the speaker finishes their thought. Remember, listen to understand, not to reply.
6. Have a Generous Heart
As physicians (and by default, leaders), we have been blessed with much. As high-income earners, it is our duty and obligation to serve others. We have been called to this profession. Let’s extend our gifts to those in need. It is a vital component to not only your wellness but to creating a lasting legacy.
'From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded' (Luke 12:48).Click To TweetCharitable giving fits this perfectly. It helps reinvigorate your view of the world and how you are a necessary and integral person in this world–a person to help and give to others. You recognize that the world is greater than you, and leaving a legacy is paramount.
Going forward, make the choice and commitment to make giving part of your monthly budget. Choose a cause that you and your family identify with and make it a habit. Rather than looking at charitable giving as an afterthought or “if I have anything left over to give,” make it a habit and automate your giving.
Start Building Your Legacy TODAY
Think of legacy building as a marathon rather than a sprint. It can take time, support, and a willingness to share your knowledge and contributions for future generations. I have had incredible teachers in my time. They have left a lasting impression on my mind, and I want you to do the same.
On this National Doctors’ Day, let’s reflect and honor those who have gone before us and, very importantly, help blaze the trail for those coming after us.
“I saw myself as a relay runner. I would take the baton, and I would run my leg of the race. And then I’d pass the baton to someone else…Each generation tries to make progress knowing that what we do is not going to be perfect…But, hopefully, we’ve run our leg of the race effectively–and the world’s gotten a little bit better.” -Barack Obama
Start Today! Use the tips above to get you started on your journey.
Until next time, be good to yourself and each other.
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