The Flow State: Creativity in Medicine with Dr. Joshua Mezrich

There’s a term in positive psychology called the “flow state” that describes the unique, entrancing feeling of total captivation and absorption in a project or activity. Whether it’s from watching a new movie, writing, painting, or scientific research, in the flow state, we feel energized yet relaxed, hyperfocused yet enjoying every moment, so fully immersed that all sense of time is lost. The day to day realities of medical training often feel incompatible with flow state, but for Dr. Joshua Mezrich, UWSMPH Transplant Surgeon and author of “When Death Becomes Life,” creative endeavors both within and outside of medicine help him find his flow. In part 2 of our series on creativity in medicine, Dr Mezrich shares the many ways he has incorporated creativity into his academic and personal life—including writing a book, running a transplant surgery research lab, creating the MezLight, hosting “The Sett” podcast, performing OR stand-up comedy, AND MORE. 

Check out Dr. Mezrich’s book and podcast by visiting the links below. 

The Sett: https://www.surgery.wisc.edu/podcast/
"When Death Becomes Life:" https://www.harpercollins.com/products/when-death-becomes-life-joshua-d-mezrich?variant=32207987998754