Can Lifestyle Medicine Enhance Your Practice?

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• Lifestyle medicine focuses on preventing and managing chronic illnesses through everyday choices.

• Investing conservatively rather than gambling on high-risk ventures is vital for long-term financial security.

• What’s really behind the skyrocketing sick days in today’s workforce?

• Developing a leadership style that is true to oneself while also appealing to others is crucial for effective leadership.

• Hitachi Vantara, in partnership with Broadcom, introduces a new private and hybrid cloud environment designed to enhance hospitals' IT infrastructure and reduce multi-vendor friction.

• The flexibility of telemedicine positions makes it a suitable option for those looking to increase their income while maintaining work-life balance.

LOUNGE TALK

Lifestyle medicine, a growing branch of healthcare, emphasizes the power of everyday choices in preventing and managing chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, depression, and anxiety. The approach is built on six foundational pillars: a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, effective stress management, strong social connections, and avoiding harmful substances. While adopting these habits requires effort and discipline, the long-term benefits to physical, mental, and social well-being make it worthwhile. The principles of lifestyle medicine date back to Hippocrates, underscoring the timeless value of holistic health. Consistency, not perfection, is key to making lasting changes. Ultimately, the goal is to cultivate a lifestyle that feels good and supports overall health, making healthy choices a natural part of daily living.

Dr. Cory S. Fawcett challenges the common belief that a high income is the key to early retirement, arguing that financial habits matter more than income level. His journey to retiring at 54 wasn’t because he was a high-earning specialist but due to smart financial practices like spending less than he earned, saving diligently, avoiding debt, and investing conservatively. Fawcett emphasizes that living below your means, using debt sparingly, and consistently saving and investing can help anyone, regardless of income, achieve financial independence. He highlights the importance of financial discipline and the benefits of a debt-free life, explaining that true wealth comes from good habits, not just a high salary.

Sick days have surged, especially among Gen Z workers, but the reasons go beyond the desire for work-life balance. While the COVID-19 pandemic has made people more cautious about attending work while ill, there's a broader trend at play. Changes in legislation have expanded sick leave, and a significant portion of Gen Z reports higher rates of mental health challenges, including depression and loneliness, compared to previous generations. The increase in remote work may also play a role, as it can lead to feelings of isolation and lack of mentorship for newer workers. Employers can help by encouraging in-office interactions and promoting the use of planned paid time off (PTO) to reduce burnout and unnecessary sick days. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for businesses aiming to support their workforce effectively.

Transitioning from being a team member to a leader isn't a straightforward change; it's a challenging process, especially when your identity contrasts with others in leadership roles. This episode from HBR On Leadership features leadership coaches Amy Su and Muriel Wilkins, who delve into how to cultivate a leadership presence that is authentic to you while still resonating with others. They discuss the importance of self-reflection and understanding the nuances of your own leadership style. Key topics include the role of gender in leadership, the journey of leadership development, and how to influence others effectively. The episode provides valuable insights for those navigating the often awkward transition into a leadership role, especially in environments where diversity is limited.

Healthcare technology is rapidly evolving with the introduction of new private cloud solutions and AI tools aimed at improving efficiency and data management. Hitachi Vantara's new private and hybrid cloud environment, developed in collaboration with Broadcom, seeks to modernize hospitals' IT infrastructure by reducing costs and enhancing data performance. Meanwhile, Sanford Health, the largest rural healthcare system in the U.S., has partnered with Infor to streamline operations and integrate core functions, promoting real-time insights and breaking down silos across departments. Additionally, Qventus has launched AI-powered tools to optimize perioperative and inpatient care, potentially increasing operating room access and automating routine clinical tasks. These innovations are poised to reduce administrative burdens, enhance operational efficiency, and support better patient outcomes.

Dr. Julie Alonso explores the potential of telemedicine as a profitable side gig for doctors. Telemedicine offers flexibility, allowing physicians to work from home and manage their schedules. It’s especially viable for various specialties, including psychiatry, pediatrics, and radiology. Key considerations when choosing a telemedicine platform include flexibility in scheduling, competitive compensation, and adequate liability coverage. Physicians can benefit from tax deductions and retirement savings opportunities by working on a contract basis. Alonso shares her own experience with telemedicine, highlighting its impact on her financial goals and work-life balance. As telemedicine continues to grow, it provides a promising option for diversifying income and enhancing career satisfaction.

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QUICK BITES

• How these doctors overcame ethnic conflict to unite in medicine.

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• Scale AI lays off workers via email with no warning.

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