<span itemprop="author">Kim Downey, PT

Author's posts

Voices for physician mental health

I’ve been honored and privileged to have had recent conversations with two courageous women: Betsy Gall and Pamela Marie Hobby. Pamela met a medical resident who changed the course of her life on October 28, 2019, and Betsy’s life was forev…

Revitalize your medical practice: Embrace creativity!

“Creativity is intelligence having fun!” George Scialabba shared a variation of this quote in a 1984 Harvard Magazine article, though it is often attributed to Albert Einstein. National Creativity Day is coming up on May 30th. What does tha…

Why write? Physicians share their stories of healing through writing.

I’ve read countless articles, posts, blogs, and books over the past year and a half, written by physicians, and I’ve learned an incredible amount! Every physician’s voice is special, distinct, and remarkable. Why write? Write for your…

Physicians turn feelings of frustration and powerlessness into purpose and hope

Every physician has a story to tell, about their medical training, about their clinical work. Every story is unique. Simultaneously, there are common shared themes about the joys and the difficulties. These experiences are universal, regardless of gend…

Pivot from clinical work? Sometimes the answer is yes, and that’s OK.

“All I know is how to be a doctor.” That’s the story many physicians tell themselves when they feel pulled to pivot from direct patient care. Through working with a coach, therapist, or mentor, doctors see there are always other possi…

Doctors rediscover joy in practicing medicine, on their own terms

Challenging and frustrating are two words describing what it feels like to be a doctor today. Yet numerous physicians are sharing their journeys as to how they moved through difficult times and have been able to find joy again by practicing medicine on…

Reigniting after burnout: 3 physician stories

What is working? I often encounter variations of this question on social media. The response is frequently met with silence or lackluster positivity. I’ve engaged in conversations with numerous inspirational physicians who have shared their tales…

A message of hope for physicians

Physicians are struggling with challenges navigating the health care system while trying to provide the best possible care for their patients. Sometimes, struggles at work are compounded by struggles at home as we all face stressors during our travel t…

The struggle is real for patients and doctors

If you are a patient, we all are at some point. Undoubtedly, you have experienced some of the difficulties patients face today in getting approved for and receiving medical care in a timely fashion. From scheduling doctor visits to undergoing tests, pr…

Surviving multiple cancers: a tale of blessings and exceptional doctors

Although it could be said that I’ve been very “unlucky” over the past couple of years due to surgeries and treatments for three separate cancers, I feel blessed by how “lucky” I have been to have had a combination of outst…