Physicians are very busy people. What would be your formula for balancing work duties with family obligations?
A trick question. There is no formula for balancing responsibilities with multiple parties each of whom requires 100%. Again, this is to make sure you don't live your life by a simplistic, naÃve formula that is unrealistic for the challenges as they really are.
"It's inevitable that there will be a conflict between the two because each is crucial in my life. But there is no formula since each requires me to be 'all in.' What I should NOT do is do it alone. I need to recruit my family to my side in recognizing the importance of what I do and what it means for my patients. With family on my side, I can do what is needed for both."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Unfortunately, I am finding out there is no magic formula. We just do the best we can. I planned to have a vaginal delivery and ended up with a c-section, which changed my work duties significantly. You can't plan life. My plan is to be a mom and wife when I get home and turn my focus from work to family. However, if I know that I will be doing a new surgery the next day I will study up on the surgery at home the night before. The biggest thing for me is to be present at the moment I am in - when I am at home, I need to be fully present as a mom and wife on most days.
Marcie's Feedback
It's great that you strive to be present wherever you are. Also, including an example is impactful. How did having a C-section affect your work duties? Can you provide more detail about that and how you overcame the challenges? In addition, consider providing some concrete ways that you'll establish a work/life balance. For example, will you set and communicate boundaries? Will you delegate and ask for help when needed? Will you prioritize your health? Will you unplug during family time? Spelling out some of the methods you plan to put in place will reassure the interviewer that you can handle both. Good job!
