Wellness is not just the absence of stress. Wellness is the presence of fulfillment, energy, and the ability to thrive. For primary care physicians, achieving a work-life balance can feel impossible. The goal of this article is not to dictate one perfect method but to offer insights into strategies that have helped me navigate the challenges of modern medicine. As a med/peds physician, I’ve struggled with finding this balance. Work is an integral part of life, but when it becomes all-consuming, it leads to burnout. Instead of trying to separate work from life entirely, I’ve reframed my approach. Work is a valued part of my life, but it must be given the same priority as home, family, and personal well-being.
Primary care physicians serve as the glue of the health care system, shouldering immense responsibility. Each day involves meeting new patients, preventing illness, managing acute crises, and keeping up with evolving medical guidelines. On top of this, we manage administrative burdens — charting, inbox messages, and systemic inefficiencies — all of which extend beyond clinic hours. The expectation is to complete the “required” work of the day, knowing that it starts anew tomorrow.
Personally, these burdens led me to a breaking point. The COVID-19 pandemic intensified these struggles, and at one point, I found myself deeply overwhelmed, even experiencing suicidal thoughts. Seeking professional support and actively prioritizing my wellness have helped me navigate these challenges. Physicians deserve to care for themselves, and change is possible.
Practical Strategies for Balance
Recognizing the challenges is only the first step — what follows are strategies that have helped me reclaim a sense of control and balance.
1) Evaluate Your Work and Workspace: Take time to assess what works and what doesn’t. Small changes like adjusting clinic workflows, an orderly desk space, or improving team collaboration can improve efficiency and reduce frustration.
2) Start Small: Large-scale changes can feel overwhelming. Instead, implement minor adjustments. For instance, creating just one new dot phrase per day can save time without feeling burdensome.
3) Protect the Time You Save: Increased efficiency often leads to adding more work. Instead, use reclaimed time for self-care, a brief walk, or a moment of mindfulness.
4) Delegate When Possible: Primary care requires teamwork. Leaning on staff to handle administrative tasks, triage messages, and schedule follow-ups allows physicians to focus on patient care.
5) Set Boundaries: Limiting work-related tasks at home helps maintain mental clarity. Avoid checking emails late at night and make sure to define when you are “off.”
Leveraging Technology for Wellness
Technology, when used effectively, can be a powerful tool for reducing administrative burdens and enhancing efficiency. These are a few examples of the kinds of technology I have incorporated into my day-to-day clinical work to improve my well-being.
1) AI-Powered Note-Taking: AI-driven tools streamline documentation, reducing time spent on charting. Personally, my documentation time has dropped from 55 minutes to 18 minutes per day.
2) AI Clinical Support: AI-based search tools provide quick, evidence-based answers to clinical questions, allowing for more informed decision-making.
3) Writing Assistance: AI-powered tools help draft letters, appeals, and articles, and can reduce mental fatigue, which frees up time.
The Role of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection is an often-overlooked yet powerful strategy for sustaining wellness. Taking a few minutes at the end of each day to evaluate what went well and what could improve fosters mindfulness and clarity. Prioritizing small wins, maintaining perspective, and making incremental changes can lead to long-term improvements in work-life balance.
Achieving wellness in balance is not about perfection — it’s about intentionality. By identifying key challenges, implementing small changes, leveraging technology, and fostering self-awareness, primary care physicians can reclaim their well-being. The journey is deeply personal, but by prioritizing balance, we can bring our best selves to our patients, our families, and ourselves.
What are some strategies and tools you’ve implemented to improve workflow and make more time for your life? Share in the comments!
Dr. Zachary Wood, MD, MPH is a dual board-certified pediatric and internal medicine physician in Greenville, SC. He is passionate about improving physician wellness and fostering work-life balance in primary care.
Image by Westend61 / Getty Images
