#213: Rob Glatthaar, Navy Corpsman and Ortho PA gets real about dealing with traumatic cases, the toll of burnout on relationships, and letting go of unhealthy coping mechanisms
Rob's been around medicine for long enough to know what works and what doesn't, and he was generous to share his wisdom. Hear his take on what makes a PA career sustainable in the long run, how to discern what's really important, and how work stress can take a toll on home life. Take home points: Burnout bleeds over into your relationships If you’re experiencing traumatic patient cases, consider how this might be affecting you and leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Be careful saying yes to overnights or shift work that causes you to lose sleep, you won’t be able to think clearly and this will take a toll on your mental health, too. Even if you make a terrible decision and regret it, use it as a lens to see your situation through new eyes. Don’t let the small stuff bother you. If you’re that miserable at work, make a choice to change something. Make the choice to organize your life in a way that works for you. Traffic, health, stress, where you live, your hours. Think in terms of sustainability over short term rewards in pay. Even if you’re paid more to take call, this might not be worth it in the long run. You can’t get time back Look at your values and make sure your time and energy reflects that. Find a way to leave work at work rather than bringing in emotional baggage from your stressful day. Use your time off. Take vacations, Simplify your life as much as you can. My book on healing burnout will be out in 2025 (editing now!!); if you're interested in being on my advanced reader team, or would like a few sneak peeks beforehand, shoot me an email, hope.cook@gmail.com or sign up for any of my free resources on my website If you want to have me as a speaker, podcast guest, or collaborate with me, use the email above to connect!