Being Prepared for the Unexpected with Dr. Christine Bryson

Christine Bryson, DO, is an Associate Professor of Medicine, the Medical Director of Teaching Services in the Division of Hospital Medicine, and an Associate Program Director for the Internal Medicine Residency program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School at Baystate Health. Dr. Bryson completed her medical school from Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and her residency from Christiana Care Health System. She has been training and mentoring students and residents for almost two decades. Be prepared for the unexpected. Today, Dr. Christine Bryson reminds us that it’s okay for our priorities to evolve as time goes on—and to look at everything with an open mind. Although some people seem to have it all figured out from day one, it’s okay for us to go with the flow, figure out what we want as we gain more experience and knowledge. The most important thing for us to keep in mind, though, is the search for finding our passion: We need to ask ourselves what makes us excited to get up in the morning and go to work each day. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Leading a team involves humility on the part of the leader, and transparency with the team. Not everyone will agree with every decision that is made, but keeping the process transparent helps keep the team together. 2. Give space for the patient to tell you what is important to them, and leave your own preconceived notions at the door.  The best patient care comes with listening. 3. Be confident in your training, but know that this is a lifelong learning process. It’s okay to know everything—because we are here to learn. Ask questions, admit what we don’t know, and take on any opportunity for growth with an open mind. 4. Do not bring your life outside the hospital inside the patient’s room. Pause to reflect on what is affecting us in our day to day lives, and know it’s okay to take a day off, and talk to our peers about our experience. In order to give quality care to patients, we have to take care of ourselves.