Production. This word has become the driving force for most physicians. See more, bill more, chart more, work more. I remember a few years ago, when my practice really started picking up and I was feeling the weight of constant pursuit of increased numbers, a friend told me I really should try to “slow down to speed up”. Naturally I didn’t completely absorb the advice, “yeah yeah, I’ll try that, you don’t really get it but ok thanks good advice”, but it nestled itself somewhere in my brain.

Last month, I had the opportunity to spend some time working in Cochabamba, Bolivia. For the first time in my career, the emphasis wasn’t on production. My focus shifted. Everyone was working hard, but at a completely different pace. The hospital provided a snack every day at 10 am! Can you imagine? Taking 10 mins out of the day to make sure you’re well fed.

I found myself getting antsy. I am not fluent in Spanish and everything seemed to take twice as long because it had to be translated. I couldn’t chart or write orders either. I was completely dependent on the 2 people helping me, and whatever speed they chose to work. As someone who is used to double and triple booking herself, this slower pace seemed so inefficient and I wanted to see as many people as I could.

My second day of office, I decided to try something different. I slowed myself down. I stopped counting charts and pressuring the team to hurry up. All of a sudden 3 hours went by and we had seen 12 or so people. Not too bad! I didn’t feel rushed, my team wasn’t getting frustrated and I took time to work with the Bolivian gynecologist and develop a camaraderie with her- which is a large objective and purpose for the trip.

This experience gave me a lot. Besides the personal challenge of working in an environment that was less than ideal – foreign language, lack of supplies, patient expectations versus what we realistically could provide – it also showed me what a

Make time a friend!  Photoby Malvestida Magazine on Unsplash

change in perspective can really accomplish. I stopped seeing charts as numbers and started seeing them as women that traveled far (very far) to be seen and to be helped. I took time to ask about their lives and families and what challenges they may experience with executing my treatment plan.

The advice to slow down to speed up can benefit all of us, physicians or not. How often do I feel overwhelmed by a list of things I need to get done? Now, I set an alarm for 10 minutes and say “stop thinking about it, just work for 10 mins and see what you can get done” and it’s amazing how much I can actually finish. I will use the Bolivian mind set, instead of feeling frustrated or anxious, I will just start tackling everything one by one, with a clear mind set, a touch of ingenuity and a game plan.