Five Truths to Tide you Over when the Well Appears Dry

Author(s):

Many physicians I've spoken to recently have reported drops in patient attendance, a fall-off in clientele, and declining incomes. My trip to Africa, however, showed me that, as bad as we think we have it, there are those for whom a dry bed in a rain storm is a blessing.

Despite the oft repeated idea that healthcare is recession-proof, many of the physicians I’ve spoken to in recent months have reported drops in patient attendance, a fall-off in clientele in their businesses, and declining incomes. Politics and reimbursements aside, it’s apparent that even an essential like medical care has taken a hit in the recession.

Her fiance was an MD

This drying up of the pipeline (sorry — maybe an oil metaphor is a poor choice now; I’m thinking of it more as a water pipeline!) is scary as there is no end in sight. It introduces uncertainty, which we tolerate poorly.

My trip to Africa sparked, once again, my awareness that, as bad as we think we have it, there are those for whom a dry bed in a rain storm because the corrugated iron roof isn’t leaking is a blessing. And a discarded pair of still-clean but slightly worn running shoes is a veritable luxury.

I returned to the US, fortified by these five truths that remind me that, barring any personal or family tragedy, I am going to be OK

1. Your happiness is directly proportional to your resilience

Earlier, I mentioned the pioneering spirit I re-encountered in South Africa, and even more so in Zimbabwe.