The new year holds a unique blend of ambition and responsibility. As Black Surgeons we navigate the frontiers of medicine, while carrying the weight of representation and paving the way for others who see themselves reflected in your scrubs. Resolutions, then, become not just personal goals, but tools to shape a brighter future for ourselves, but also the communities we serve.
Making Resolutions that Matter:
Focus on the "why": What drives us to push past the scalpel's edge? Is it the thrill of innovation, the quiet satisfaction of healing, or the burning desire to dismantle healthcare disparities? We all should tie our resolutions to this "why," making them more than just checkboxes on a list.
Prioritize self-care: The surgeon's scalpel is only as sharp as the mind wielding it. Prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and activities that nourish your soul. Remember, a well-rested, fulfilled surgeon is a better surgeon for everyone.
Embrace community: We are not alone in this white coat. Seek out mentors, fellow Black surgeons, and allies who understand your journey. Share your struggles, celebrate your triumphs, and learn from each other. Together, we can rewrite the narrative of healthcare.
Strategies for Making Resolutions Stick:
SMART Goals: Make resolutions Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of "be healthier," aim for "walk or bike for 30 minutes three times a week."
Break it Down: Don't be overwhelmed by a mountain of change. Break resolutions into smaller, actionable steps. If you want to learn a new surgical technique, start by reading one article or watching a video each week.
Find an Accountability Partner: Share resolutions with a supportive friend, colleague, or mentor. They can check in on your progress, offer encouragement, and celebrate your successes.
Track Your Progress: Keep a journal, use a progress tracker app, or simply mark off a calendar. Seeing progress visually can be a powerful motivator.
Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones, big and small! Treat yourself to a nice meal, a relaxing massage, or something else that makes you happy.
Keeping the Scalpel Sharp:
Celebrate small wins: The path to mastery is paved with countless stitches and sleepless nights. Don't wait for the groundbreaking surgery to acknowledge your progress. Celebrate the successful procedure, the conquered skill, the patient's grateful smile.
Embrace imperfection and humility: The operating room is not a sterile haven of perfection. We are not “all-knowing” and lessons can be learned. Ask for help when needed and allow this to help you move forward. Remember, even the most skilled surgeon once had a doubt about where to make the incision.
Pay it forward: The torch of progress needs strong hands to carry it. Mentor aspiring surgeons, sharing knowledge, and advocate for diversity in medicine. Our success paves the way for others to follow.
The new year is not just a calendar change, it's an open OR. We need to use our voices and scalpels not just as a surgeon, but as an scheduler, circulator and assistant shaping a future where healthcare is equitable, representation thrives, and we all succeed through compassion, hope and healing.
My actionable, described and specific goals for 2024 are to eat healthier by cooking more often. At least 4 nights a week, giving other days for leftovers and occasional takeout. I want to incorporate more of a Mediterranean Diet into my meals. Other goals include exercising more. At least 4 days a week, running and lifting. Lastly, my goal is to spend more quality time with my family. Being engaged and available.
So, here's to a 2024 brimming with vibrant flavors, joyful movement, and the heartwarming embrace of family. This year, I'm not just a surgeon; I'm a culinary artist, a fitness enthusiast, and a champion of togetherness. Scalpel, step aside; the spatula, the sneakers, and the board games are taking center stage!
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