Medical Malpractice Stress Syndrome

​

Being a doctor requires significant sacrifice and dedication, often at the expense of personal relationships and hobbies. The profession's high-stress levels are reflected in depression and suicide rates. The news of a malpractice lawsuit adds another layer of strain, comparable to major life crises like divorce or illness.

​

This pressure contributes to "Medical Malpractice Stress Syndrome," inundating us with thoughts of failure and injustice. We feel anxious, angry, and withdrawn, even considering leaving our careers due to shame. Lawyers advise us to appear likable to juries, a challenge amidst our turmoil.

​

The resulting flood of negative thoughts leaves us feeling incapacitated, physically ill, and isolated. Marcus Aurelius reminds us that our perception shapes our distress. Malpractice cases expose our unexamined beliefs, such as fear of judgment and perfectionism, which opposing counsels exploit. However, challenging these assumptions can alleviate stress and provide clarity. This crisis can even be an opportunity for greater self-awareness, self-compassion, and joy.

​

Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) 

​

Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) is a method for tackling the beliefs that cause us emotional distress. It suggests that we hold onto stressful thoughts because we haven't questioned their validity. By blindly accepting our thoughts, we remain trapped in stress.

​

IBSR involves subjecting our stressful thoughts to probing questions, akin to a lawyer cross-examining a witness. This process enables us to gain a more enlightened and compassionate perspective. Once we've examined these thoughts, they lose their power over us. IBSR frees our minds from these burdensome thoughts, allowing us to be more productive, focused, and present.

​

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 

​

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been extensively studied in clinical trials and proven to decrease stress, enhance immunity, and alleviate chronic illnesses. In this course, you'll learn the fundamentals of mindfulness, which serve as a foundation for ongoing stress management. Additionally, you'll engage in practices such as breathwork, gratitude, and self-compassion. We'll also examine other lifestyle factors like media consumption, diet, and exercise with a critical eye.

​

Learning Objectives:

• Learn and practice IBSR and MBSR 

• Understand the neuroscience of stress

• Institute daily practices for lifelong wellbeing

• Improve performance in depositions and in court 

• Improve resilience 

​

What is included

• Six 60-75 minute one-on-one confidential IBSR/MBSR video sessions, scheduled at your convenience

• Accountability check-ins 3-4 times a week by text/phone

• Weekly reading and video material

• Guided meditations

• Availability to schedule PRN sessions (ex: before depositions) or emergent sessions as schedules allow​

Cost: 2875$

​​​

Teaching Experience:

For more than 15 years, I've been instructing well-being practices, starting at Kirtland Air Force Base where I assisted deployed airmen in coping with combat stress. As a speaker for Vistage International and The Executive Company (TEC), I've shared insights on the neuroscience of well-being through workshops across the US and Canada. My expertise extends to helping physicians and entrepreneurs understand their minds.

I've personally utilized Inquiry-Based Stress Reduction (IBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to navigate my own challenges, including lawsuits, alongside the responsibilities of being a doctor, wife, mother, business owner, and non-profit executive director.

​