As part of my ongoing literary journey, I have recently read The Measure by Nikki Erlick, re-read Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D., and am in the midst of both Dale Carnegie's iconic and life-changing How to Win Friends and Influence People and Together by Vivek Murthy, M.D. Each of these books has inspired me to consider what is of true importance to me as I reflect upon how I wish to live the remainder of my life. I thought it apropos to share these book suggestions, especially with those who are in the pursuit of a career in medicine or in healthcare.
First, as per the premise of The Measure, what if you knew how long you were going to live? Would this change how you prioritize what is important to you in life? What would you choose to do if you knew you had a smaller finite time within which to live? What would be the impact on both your personal healthcare journey and on the entire healthcare system if this knowledge regarding longevity was available to everyone? For those interested in medicine, would this knowledge impact your decision to pursue medicine as a career? Would it change your day-to-day approach to the perceived stresses of medical school and residency?
Next, as we know, despite how you choose to prioritize what is of importance to you, the journey to achieve your goals may not always be linear. We all are faced with change and unexpected obstacles throughout life. In Who Moved My Cheese?, Dr. Johnson, shares a whimsical story of two mice and two "LIttlepeople" navigating a maze in the search for cheese. The author beautifully illustrates individuals' different responses to change and also the role of fear in preventing us from achieving our goals. For those in the field of medicine, similar to the author of Who Moved My Cheese? who pivoted from the role of physician to writer, there are changes and hurdles faced during one's journey (e.g. academic struggles, failed Step exam, not matching into the specialty or program of choice) that sometimes lead one to a different path. So the question is, how do I adapt to obstacles or change? This then begs the question, am I a Hem, Haw, Sniff, or Scurry in the face of change? Do I need to change who I usually am (i.e. Hem/Haw/Sniff/Scurry) to another character when faced with something unexpected or unknown?
Finally, on the journey that we have through life, it is important to navigate it with those around us. Amid a loneliness and social isolation epidemic in the United States. it is important for each of us to consider our own social support network. Dr. Murthy (19th Surgeon General of the United States) has prioritized the importance of addressing loneliness in our nation, and his book Together addresses this important topic. Dale Carnegie's book How to Win Friends and Influence People can serve as an adjunct in helping individuals create and foster healthy and strong relationships with others. To hone in specifically on the field of medicine, with the high incidence of depression and burnout in both trainees and physicians, prioritizing social connection for healthcare practitioners is paramount. The question perhaps to be asked is, how can I create and maintain positive, supportive relationships in order to enhance the quality of my life (throughout both its joys and challenges)?
Overall, I am so grateful for those who have taken the time to introspect and share their wisdom through the written word. As a member of a book club for the past 18 years, I have learned so much and continue to do so from both the books that are read, the viewpoints of others, and the social connections built through meeting together monthly. Please send me any recommendations or suggestions you may have about either topics of discussion or favorite books. I would love to hear them!
And as stated by Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Wishing you all the best, always,
Sincerely,
Rupal S. Vora, M.D. MPH FACP
Founder, MedStudentCoach LLC
Associate Professor, Internal Medicine
Creighton University School of Medicine
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