Dr. Whipple with his wife visiting Machu Picchu in Peru. Dr. Whipple says he conscientiously makes time for the things that are most important to him in life.
Easy-to-implement strategies that significantly reduce burnout.
By Ian G. Whipple, OD
Sept. 27, 2023
Professional burnout is real. I have witnessed firsthand “burnout” of colleagues and other health professionals, and recently shared my suggestions on how to prevent feelings of burnout by creating a supportive work environment.
My suggestions included hiring and training a fantastic team, pursuing world-class education and implementing new technologies and procedures to keep the profession exciting.
Immediately upon publication, I received an interesting e-mail from a fellow optometrist who shared her disappointment in my approach to addressing burnout. This colleague demonstrated frustration and clear signs of burnout. I ask readers to be patient with me as I share vulnerable experiences and attempt another take at communicating practical tips to prevent professional burnout.
It is critical that doctors of optometry prioritize self-care. It’s impossible to be truly successful at work if we’re not successful in private life, and vice versa.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
The stories we tell ourselves can dictate our emotions, and ultimately, our actions. As we go through life, there will be events that challenge us. Obviously, we cannot prevent external challenges and crises from occurring. These challenges can be a stimulus for growth and development, as well as a source of devastation.
Cognitive behavioral therapy suggests that the outcome of our struggles may be dependent on the thoughts we tell ourselves about the event. I want to offer that each of us is in complete control of the story we tell ourselves about the situation we find ourselves in.
I am not a mental health professional, but I can testify that cognitive behavioral therapy has been a lifeline for me through personal trials such as infertility and a complete transition of my faith. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be used to manage both personal-life difficulties and professional challenges, such as staff-turnover, profit loss and difficult patients.
Thoughts can change our emotions, and our emotions can change our behavior. I learned this from a life coach who I have worked with for several years. Brené Brown, Jon Acuff and Kindra Hall have written about this approach extensively. I would definitely add their books to the must-read list for any business owner.
Work-Life Balance
Another way to decrease the risk of professional burnout is to make time to pursue activities that bring joy and relaxation. Early in my career, I worried that pursuing personal time/hobbies was selfish – that there was always work to be done. Just like airlines teach us to place our own oxygen masks on first in the event of an emergency and then help others, I find that by making time for myself, I am in better shape to pursue necessary work tasks.
I have no problem with taking an early lunch to go for a run when a patient cancels or reschedules their visit. I recognize that I might miss out on one appointment spot, but I always return for the afternoon with more energy and excitement. I can use that extra boost in my morale to “turn on the charm” with a patient, which ultimately leads to a more fulfilling (and often profitable) visit.
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For the past few years I’ve only scheduled patients three days per week. I build in at least one scheduled professional development day each week, which allows me to pursue training, administrative and regulatory endeavors, and implement large-picture game plans for the office.
I recognize that my personal balance shifts more toward personal life than work, and by spending only three days of patient time per week I’m certainly leaving money on the table. I ask myself, what would I use the extra money for if I don’t have the quality time to spend it? By prioritizing my time this way, my optometry practice has become a lifestyle generator, rather than an obsession.
Establishing Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries and effectively managing workload is essential for preventing burnout. Optometrists frequently face demanding schedules and long working hours, which can contribute to exhaustion and burnout. It is important to establish realistic expectations for patient appointments, breaks and administrative tasks.
Delegation of responsibilities is one of the boundaries I have set in my practice. Payroll is a task that I have delegated. For several years I processed my own payroll, and it was a chore I genuinely didn’t enjoy. I recognize that it is a task I’m still capable of performing, but by delegating the task to a payroll company I appreciate that the task is now stress free. The several hours that it frees up for me can now be used to accomplish other practice goals.
Another boundary I have set with my practice is that I still won’t open my office on weekends. Again, I recognize that I may be leaving money on the table and that a certain demographic of patients exist who will only seek out doctors who have weekend hours. By not working weekends, however, I have never missed one of my kids’ games due to work on a Saturday, and that is worth more to me than any financial benefit of opening on weekends.
Ian G. Whipple, OD, is the owner of Vision Source of Farr West and Vision Source of South Ogden, both in Utah. To contact him: iwhipple@gmail.com
