Stay curious – Medicine evolves. I tell the medical students that half of what we learn in medical school we thereafter find out is wrong. The real question is which half is wrong? And, what is the right answer. Overall, keep learning and stay updated.

Care for yourself – How can you care for others if you’re ignoring your physical or mental wellbeing?

Protect your time – Learn to say no. Boundaries are essential to avoid burnout. Get household help, if needed.

Don’t chase perfection – Strive for excellence. Perfectionism can paralyze progress and self-compassion.

Listen more than you talk– Patients will tell you what’s wrong if you let them talk. I often start my visit asking the patient “How’s life?” It lets me get to know my patients and they share what they want to share.

Document thoroughly but efficiently – Good notes protect you legally and help others care for your patients. I type as fast as I talk, which has helped finish my patient notes in a timely fashion.

You can’t save everyone – Accept your limits. Focus on providing the best care, not on outcomes beyond your control. Meet your patients where they want to be. I cannot hand the patients the medication I suggest. Truly, I give advice and the patient can do what they want.

Cultivate empathy – Treat each patient with grace. It’s healing for both of you.

Trust your clinical instincts – Pattern recognition and gut feelings are tools honed with experience. Respect them.

Don’t neglect your homelife– Your loved ones need your time and attention just as much as your patients. I always bring my cell phone into a patient room. If my husband or kids call, I ask the patient first and then I answer the phone. Sometimes it is “Where is my backpack?” or “Mom, I was just in a car accident.”

Get out of debt – Financial stability later allows you freedom and peace of mind. Live below your means.

Find mentors and be one – Learn from those ahead of you, and lift those coming behind.

Practice gratitude – Even on hard days, appreciate what a privilege it is to do this work.

Take breaks seriously – Regular rest isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. I will often ask a colleague to cover my “inbox” when I am out of town.

You will make mistakes – Own them, learn, apologize when needed, and move forward.

Know your “why” – Reconnect with what brought you to medicine when times get tough. I truly love to teach medical students and new physicians… it is a joy.

Don’t delay seeking help – For burnout, depression, or anxiety—ask for help early.

Medicine is a team sport – Respect nurses, techs, therapists, and all who make care possible. Everyone on the healthcare team has a role.

Keep hobbies alive – Your identity is more than just being a doctor. As I consider how I wind down my practice, I am figuring out what I like to do, who I like to spend time with and I thoughtfully, incrementally, am adding them to my life.

Celebrate small wins – The impact you make isn’t always visible, but it matters.