In this episode of the Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia welcome Paola Julve Navarro, a sixth-year medical student, to discuss professional wellbeing, resilience, and the journey of becoming a doctor. Paola shares her experiences and insights on balancing social, professional, personal, and spiritual aspects of life, and the importance of empathy and self-care in the medical field.

Keywords

professional wellbeing, resilience, medical student, empathy, self-care, oncology, medical education, burnout, personal growth, professional balance

Takeaways

•               Professional wellbeing rests on social, professional, personal, and spiritual pillars.

•               Burnout is common among medical students, but resilience can be strengthened.

•               Empathy and communication are key to reducing burnout and improving wellbeing.

•               Opportunities often need to be created rather than waited for.

•               Supporting others doesn't always mean having answers, but being present.

•               Self-awareness and adaptability are crucial for maintaining balance.

•               Compassionate care involves active listening and understanding without judgment.

•               Personal growth often requires stepping out of comfort zones.

•               Professional success doesn't require sacrificing personal life.

•               Finding joy in the medical profession is essential for long-term resilience.

Sound bites

•               "Professional wellbeing is like a table with four legs."

•               "Burnout is a turning point for many students."

•               "Empathy is not a weakness, it's a tool."

•               "Opportunities don't always come, sometimes you create them."

•               "Supporting others means being present, not having answers."

•               "Compassionate care involves active listening."

•               "Personal growth requires stepping out of comfort zones."

•               "Professional success doesn't mean sacrificing personal life."

•               "Finding joy in medicine is essential."

•               "Resilience can be strengthened through mindfulness."