September Newsletter
September Greetings!
A few years ago, there was a slew of essays and opinion pieces that called the month of September the “new January”.
It is certainly a time for transition for many people in our communities. The summer is coming to a close. People are preparing their schedules and work and lives for the coming autumn months. School has begun again. Many people embrace this transition as a time to evaluate their hopes, wishes, and goals for the months ahead. In this way, September can be a new beginning, a fresh start.
It can be a way to assess how far you’ve come with goals that you perhaps set at the beginning of the year, taking stock and making a plan for what needs to be done as 2019 comes to an end. How can you use this energy for forward movement, either personally or professionally? Maybe it’s as simple as acknowledging gratitude for the year thus far and becoming clear about what would make you feel happy and whole in the months that remain.
After a wonderful summer spent alongside my family, I am looking forward to the opportunities for remembrance and reflection that come with the month of September. Last month, the author Toni Morrison died at the age of 88. She was a brilliant writer and the first African-American woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. In memory of Toni Morrison, here is a line from her book Beloved to remind you how very enough you are: “You are your best thing.”
Spotlight on Dr. Jill Baren
At the end of July, Dr. Jill Baren was elected President of the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Congratulations, Dr. Baren!
Around the Web
In light of the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton last month, here are two links I want to share with you.
The first is this, Stopping Gunshot Deaths from the Trauma Bay and Beyond with Mamta Swaroop, MD. This podcast episode from Northwestern University’s School of Medicine features an audio essay that shares the story of important work being done in Chicago by Dr. Mamta Swaroop. Take a listen.
I’d also like to share this very important piece by Dr. Megan L. Ranney, an associate professor of emergency medicine at Alpert Medical School, Brown University, and chief research officer of AFFIRM Research and Dr. Jessica Gold, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University in St. Louis. Here’s an excerpt from “The Dangers of Linking Gun Violence and Mental Illness”:
Misleading statements about mental health and violence have very real consequences. They contribute to the stigma towards psychiatric patients, which can, in turn, lead to fewer people seeking the treatment they, need. They also engender discrimination: in 2013, a Kaiser Health poll found that 47% of Americans were “very” or “somewhat” uncomfortable living next door to someone with a serious mental illness, and 41% felt the same about working with someone with serious mental health issues.
Listen up!
Doctors and Litigation: The L Word is a podcast by Dr. Gita Pensa, who I was lucky enough to share the stage with last year at FIX ‘18.
Most doctors, at some point in their careers, will face litigation. Dr. Pensa’s podcast is dedicated to helping doctors facing litigation understand what happens next— how to handle depositions, complex emotions, depression, anxiety, and going to trial.
The podcast includes interviews with physicians who have faced the stress of litigation, as well as advice from expert defence lawyers and psychologists, making it a must-listen for medical professionals.
Listen, share, and rate this important series on Apple. Let’s help this podcast reach doctors who need to hear it.
Where to Find Me
I’m so excited to be returning to the FemInEM Idea Exchange, #FIX19, as a speaker. FIX, from its inception in 2017, has been a transformative and energizing experience. I’m so excited to be speaking about your voice and your value, sharing lessons I’ve learned as a speaker. I’m thrilled to be presenting this talk with my wonderful colleague, Dr. Diane Birnbaumer.
On September 20th, I’ll be joining the Florida College of Emergency Physicians for the Life After Residency Retreat: Thriving Beyond Medicine. The retreat is an annual opportunity for Florida's emergency medicine residents to network and learn lessons about life in medicine. I’m excited to be sharing with the residents my thoughts on resetting priorities to set yourself up for a healthy career.
On September 21st, I’ll be participating in a Mentorship session at the Women in Medicine Summit in Chicago.
Let’s connect! Will you be at any of these events? Tweet me @TracySansonMD and let me know!
Let Me Hear from You!
I’d love to know what’s new in your world. Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Thank You,
Tracy