The Daily Stoic – How Stoicism Can Help Make Health Care Better

Intro

In this episode of “The Daily Stoic” podcast, the hosts explore how the ancient philosophy of Stoicism can be applied to the field of healthcare. They discuss the connection between philosophy and athletics in the ancient world and how Stoic lessons about overcoming adversity and leadership can benefit doctors and surgeons who have experienced burnout and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They also delve into Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” and its insights into the struggles faced by even the most powerful individuals.

Main Takeaways

Stoicism in Medicine

• The ancient philosophy of Stoicism can be applied to various professions, including medicine.
• Stoic lessons about overcoming adversity and best practices for leaders can be helpful for doctors and surgeons who have been through the ringer with COVID and burnout.
• Marcus Aurelius and Galen’s intersecting practices of stoicism and medicine.

Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations”

• Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” provides insight into the daily struggles of even the most powerful people in the world.
• The opening of book five of “Meditations” pertains to the struggle of getting out of bed in the morning and reminds us of our purpose as human beings.
• Marcus Aurelius’ struggle to get out of bed and fulfill his duty as a human being is a reminder of our purpose in life.
• Meditations is a journaling practice where Marcus wrote reminders to himself of what he needed to know when he needed to know it.
• Marcus Aurelius wrote Meditations as a reminder of what he believed in.

Accepting Challenges and Obstacles

• Stoicism philosophy teaches us to accept challenges and obstacles, and use them to become who we are capable of being.
• Obstacles can be an opportunity for virtue and excellence.
• The four virtues of Stoicism are courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom.
• The impediment to action advances action, what stands in the way becomes the way.
• The Stoics believe that crises are opportunities for transformation and improvement.

Being Vulnerable and Asking for Help

• It’s important to understand that people will have flaws and to not let that drag you down.
• Marcus Aurelius talks about being overwhelmed in chapter seven of meditation and says, “Don’t be ashamed to need help.”
• We often see doctors and leaders as invulnerable, but they are human beings who struggle just like us.
• It’s important to ask for help when we need it, as we are all in this together.
• Courage is not just about being unafraid, but also about being vulnerable and asking for help.

Meditating on Mortality and Being Present

• Stoicism teaches the practice of meditating on our mortality to remind us that death is ever present and to live in the present moment.
• Life is short and not in our control, and we should be humble, present, and connected to those around us.
• We should practice being present in our daily lives and appreciate each moment as a bonus.

Summary

Stoicism in Medicine

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism can be applied to various professions, including medicine. Doctors and surgeons who have experienced burnout and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic can benefit from Stoic lessons about overcoming adversity and best practices for leaders. Marcus Aurelius and Galen’s intersecting practices of stoicism and medicine highlight the potential for integrating these philosophies into healthcare.

Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations”

Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” provides valuable insights into the struggles faced by even the most powerful individuals. The opening of book five of “Meditations” focuses on the struggle of getting out of bed in the morning and reminds us of our purpose as human beings. Marcus Aurelius’ personal struggle to fulfill his duty as a human being serves as a reminder of our own purpose in life. “Meditations” itself is a journaling practice where Marcus wrote reminders to himself, reflecting his beliefs and guiding principles.

Accepting Challenges and Obstacles

Stoicism teaches us to accept challenges and obstacles, viewing them as opportunities for personal growth and virtue. The philosophy emphasizes the four virtues of courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom. According to Stoicism, obstacles are not impediments but pathways to excellence. Crises are seen as opportunities for transformation and improvement, both for individuals and organizations.

Being Vulnerable and Asking for Help

A key lesson from Stoicism is the importance of recognizing our own flaws and not letting them drag us down. Marcus Aurelius, in his meditations, acknowledges being overwhelmed and emphasizes the need to ask for help without shame. This vulnerability is relevant for doctors, leaders, and individuals in general, as they navigate challenges and strive for growth. Courage, in Stoicism, involves not only being unafraid but also being open to seeking assistance when needed.

Meditating on Mortality and Being Present

Stoicism encourages the practice of meditating on our mortality to remind us of the transient nature of life and the importance of living in the present moment. By recognizing the inevitability of death, individuals can cultivate humility, presence, and connection with others. Stoicism emphasizes the value of appreciating each moment as a bonus and being fully engaged in our daily lives. This practice can help individuals find meaning and purpose in the face of life’s uncertainties.

Conclusion

The application of Stoicism in healthcare offers valuable insights for doctors and surgeons, particularly in times of adversity and burnout. Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by even the most powerful individuals and the importance of fulfilling one’s duty as a human being. Stoic principles of accepting challenges, being vulnerable, meditating on mortality, and living in the present moment can guide individuals in various professions, helping them navigate obstacles, seek assistance when needed, and find purpose and fulfillment in their work and lives.