Optimising your non clinical time: a trainees perspective

The goal and the journey

Definition of non clinical time

Pass examsDo nothingResearch for gloryTeaching to give backAdmin to rulePrivate for $$$$

Broader definition – what we do at work, outside of clinical work to get the most out of life

The goal and the journey

Why am I doing this talk?I am no different to you….. I struggle with balance and being effective in….Clinical busyResearch and non clinicalOrganizing a fellowships and jobFamily2.5 year oldExercise and sleep

What motivates us?• Buddha/Dahai lama 600BC“All men seek happiness and avoid suffering”• Christianity 1ADHeaven and eternal life• Renaissance humanism 1600AD“A man can do all things if he will". • Charles Darwin 1859“Survival of the fittest”• Viktor Frankl 1946”The will to find meaning in life”

We are all seeking the same things – The GOALWe want fulfilment and happiness

Wisdom

Choice

Insight

Self awareness

Connection with self, family, friends, work, planet

Many pathways to reaching the goal

Part 1: Scientific thinking/research

Why I did a PhDCritical thinking, Curiosity, Leave a mark

“Research is what raises us from being mere technicians to being doctors” Professor Paul Myles

How to do itPublication Cardiology Planned for 5-8 yearsPicked my supervisorsMade plans, then had to change themPicked smart projects for maximum bang for buckHad to multitask, and be consumed by the endless black hole.

What have I learned so far?

Worked because I have an interestLearned to be organized, and planning Good support network – at home and at work.Good supervisors!Would not do it during FICM exams.

Part 2: Surgical training

Surgical training1, 2, 3, 4 years of trainingInitially exciting but……Super-specialised Long and lonely hoursLess role for non clinical workRealised that all this effort was distracting me form my goalsChallenging to leave

The answer……….?

Intensive Care

Part 3: Meditation and mindfulness

The relaxation response

• Hypometabolic state• Decreased HR, RR• Changes in EEG

(different to sleep) with focal increased neuronal activity

HR, RR, and fMRI changes during meditation

NeuroReport 2000 11:1581±1585 8

Less burnout and emotional exhaustion less depersonalizationMore empathy with patientsMore emotional stabilityImproved total mood disturbance scores

JAMA. 2009;302(12):1284-1293

John Kibat-Zinn

“Paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally, to the unfolding of experience moment to moment, as if your life depended on it

Non religious, cultivation of attention

My meditation practiceCombined concentration and mindfulness techniquesDaily 20-45 minsEarly morning Effects include:• Connection• Calmness• Self awareness• Self reflection• Improved mood

Part 4: Parenthood

The non clinical goal and journey

Work in progressDon’t have all the answersReadjusting my goals and projectsGet it wrong regularly

Key messages

Clarify your own goal for non clinical time

Use your non clinical time fulfill as much as

possible