Connecting with re-creation

The small-group time ended and Dr. Clever took polls from the crowd. Among recurring themes were exercise, saying "no," establishing sabbatical programs with your group, and taking time to completely unplug from work – no cell phones, no e-mail.

As the hour came to a close and the crowd shuffled for the exit, I felt that our small-group connection was too important to just say goodbye abruptly. I should get their contact information, I thought, so I can let them know how I am doing with my work-life balance, my sabbaticals, my scheduled time. But I didn’t, and instead watched the couple, hands held, walk down the long corridor, feeling inspired and hopeful that I too could maybe be successful in both career and family.

And so it is that I have written this column many days before it is due (a first for me) so that I can go on vacation. I’m going far away from cell phone access and e-mail. I must admit, there is a little trepidation in the thought of being so disconnected. But, after watching me spend all of Christmas eve working on a research paper, my wife is delighted at any kind of improvement in my work-life balance. That nameless couple would be proud.

Dr. Horton completed his residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at the University of Utah and Primary Children’s Medical Center, both in Salt Lake City, in July 2013, and joined the faculty there. He is sharing his new-career experiences with Hospitalist News.