November Newsletter - Uncertainty
What’s going to happen?
It’s been a long week in a long year. At the time of this writing, we do not yet know the outcome of the 2020 Presidential election. It is possible that a winner will have been announced by the time you read this, but I want to take a moment to lean into the place of not knowing.
As a physician, I am used to people wanting me to have all the answers. People want to believe that doctors are superhuman, possessing the ability to see into the future and determine exactly how a diagnosis will play out, exactly how long healing will take, precisely what needs to happen. They want to know that everything will be alright.
But the truth is that sometimes we just don’t know. I wanted to open this newsletter by asking how you’re doing. How are you? Such a simple question. But even how are you? has become a question that is sometimes difficult to answer. You may not have an easy answer. You may just not know.
Uncertainty is unsettling. But I want to send a reminder today that it’s okay—it’s good—to leave room for mystery. It’s okay and healthy to say “I don’t know” when you don’t. By accepting that we simply don’t have all the answers to this life, we can appreciate its fragility. If the uncertainty feels too overwhelming for you right now, focus on caring for and loving yourself and for those around you. That’s a very good start when you’re not sure what to do.
When we leave space for mystery, it gives us the opportunity to turn inward and ask ourselves what kind of people we want to be, what kind of country we want to be. It leaves room for reflection.
I don’t know what will happen, but I’m with you. Stay hopeful.
Some Deep breaths, Connection, and Inspiration
Check in with yourself and the Bengson’s with their “Keep Going Song.”
Watch a stabilized sky timelapse at Crater Lake, Oregon.
Listen to Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile sing “A Beautiful Noise.”
Around the Web
Poll: Workplace Stigma, Fear of Professional Consequences Prevent Emergency Physicians from Seeking Mental Health Care
“A poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and Morning Consult released on October 26, 2020 shows that despite the growing toll that serving on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic is having on emergency physicians, many are hesitant to seek mental health treatment. According to the poll, which was conducted among a national sampling of emergency physicians, stigma and fear of professional reprisal prevent health care workers from getting the mental health care they need.”
'This is our moment … I love you': Cori Bush's electrifying victory speech
“She’s a single mom. She’s a nurse. She was a Covid patient. And now she’s the first Black woman from Missouri to be elected to Congress. This is what she said on election night.”
People are literally dancing in the streets as they wait to vote
"Because we know that voter suppression efforts especially in Black and Brown communities have a long history in this country and, particularly living in a global pandemic right now," Stamp said, "our effort to bring music to people who are going to be waiting in long lines at the polling places (is) so we can we can do something for the voters on Election Day."
Where to Find Me
Here are a few of the lectures I’ll be giving and panels I’ll be participating in in the coming months:
December 3, 2020
Pediatric Grand Rounds Metrohealth, Cleveland Ohio
ENT Tricks of the Trade
December 5, 2020
Brandon Regional Hospital. Florida Licensure: Intimate Partner Violence, Human Trafficking, Medical Errors
December 28, 2020
Florida Atlantic University Emergency Medicine Program
Faculty Development
January 21-23, 2021
Northwest Seminars Topics in Emergency Medicine
January 24, 2021
Emerald Coast Medical Association, Destin FL
Intimate Partner Violence
Reach out
The quickly approaching holiday season will be very different from the ones we’ve known in the past. I don’t know quite what it will look like, but I want you to know that you aren’t alone.
There are a few ways to find my online—Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn are a few. Don’t hesitate to reach out. I hope you’re taking care of yourself.
Love,
Tracy