#440 - CONTRIBUTOR SERIES: Introverts in Healthcare - Caring for your Well-being

Healthcare often demands constant interaction, quick decision-making, and emotional resilience. But what happens when you’re an introvert navigating this high-pressure environment? In this episode, Dr. Charity Hix shares her insights on how introverted physicians face unique challenges in medicine. She and Dr. Amna Shabbir explore why introverts may be more prone to burnout and how sensory overload, emotional labor, and overstimulation contribute to exhaustion.

They discuss how simple changes like creating micro-moments of calm or adjusting one’s physical environment can help manage energy levels. Dr. Hix emphasizes that introverts bring valuable strengths to healthcare, including empathy, deep listening, and attention to detail. By recognizing these strengths and advocating for their needs, introverted healthcare professionals can thrive in a system not always built with them in mind.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Prioritize Micro-Changes to Manage Energy – Small adjustments, like bringing a calming screensaver, wearing comfortable clothes, or adding a plant to your workspace, can help mitigate overstimulation and promote calm during hectic days.
2. Create White Space in Your Day – A few minutes of quiet reflection or stepping outside can replenish energy. Plan for high-demand days and build in restorative moments when possible.
3. Shift From Isolation to Intentional Solitude – While alone time is essential for introverts, it's important to differentiate between healthy solitude and isolation. Seek out supportive communities, even if it means connecting with just one trusted colleague or coach.

About the Guest:
Dr. Charity Hix is a physician and burnout coach helping introverts in healthcare escape feelings of apathy, irritability, and resentment brought on by the increasing demands and decreasing rewards of medicine.

She uses her 20 years of experience in clinical medicine combined with coaching to help introverts prioritize their needs and protect their energy. She wants you to know you don’t have to feel guilty for wanting a thriving life inside and outside of medicine.

• Website: charityhix.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charityhix/
• Energy Management for Introverts Guide: https://www.charityhix.com/energy-management-for-introverts

Host:
Dr. Amna Shabbir is the Founder and CEO of the Early Career Physicians Institute, a Duke Certified Wellness and Life Coach, and a Dual Board-Certified Geriatrician-Internist. She helps early-career physicians navigate the transition from training to practice with compassion and practical tools.

• YouTube: Dr. Amna Shabbir
• Facebook: Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/amna-shabbir-md/

Did you know…
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Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.