David Hatem, MD, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, Massachusetts. He completed his medical school at Tufts University in Boston, and his residency at the Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. His early interests in faculty development and teaching the Medical interview evolved into applying the principles of the provider patient relationship to the student teacher relationship. He is the founding Co-Director of the Learning Communities program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

A career in medicine is not only a challenge clinically, but it’s an incredible personal challenge as well. Today, Dr. David Hatem explains that the path we’re on should be looked at as a “project of self”, where we are the subject. The support we get from strong mentoring relationships is what makes this personal challenge more enjoyable (although it doesn’t reduce the work). He reminds us that the key to finding joy is to continue to develop our personal interests alongside our clinical knowledge and integrate our passions with the needs of our institution, so one day we may leave a legacy behind.

Pearls of Wisdom:

1. Finding meaning in the work you do is the antidote to burnout. So ask yourself: Is the work you are doing giving meaning?
2. Approach mentorship with the perspective of self. This path is a project of self, and we are the subject. And in order to be successful, we have to be open about our difficulties.
3. Figure out what you’re good at, what you’re passionate about, and what your institution needs: Merge these together, and you could develop something that becomes a legacy.