VISTA Voice

How do you know which specialty to pursue with so many areas of medicine? Some clinicians choose their professions based on how knowledgeable they are about certain aspects of medicine. Some "just know" their calling, perhaps thanks to astrology.

Time is often essential for medical care, and anesthesiologists are no strangers to working on the front lines. Even before the pandemic, the anesthesiologist did so much more than administer sedatives for surgery. Some of the most versatile and vital clinicians are anesthesiologists, which is why we celebrate their work each year.

In the professional healthcare provider field, two groups are always in demand: anesthetists and anesthesiologists. Within a given healthcare facility, these two professions often touch just about every department or practice. That's why it's important to understand and honor the work they do — notably, nurse anesthetists — to help improve patient outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the healthcare system operates. It's taken a tremendous toll on the many physicians and advanced healthcare practitioners who are responding to the crisis. But the toll goes well beyond the countless hours they've dedicated to helping patients. It's also put an enormous strain on their mental health. 

The medical profession can be an exciting, rewarding, but ultimately challenging pursuit. One study found that 42% of doctors experience burnout while performing their daily duties. That's a reasonably high rate. With the constant demands combined with the physical and emotional toll that they experience, it can significantly challenge physicians looking to provide top levels of care. That's why physicians must maintain a positive, resilient attitude in both their personal and professional lives.

Becoming a physician requires years of medical training and dedicated practice. And while there's no doubt a set of baseline medical skills a physician must possess to succeed in the role, there's more to it than just receiving credentials. It's not enough to be proficient in the medical requirements of the job.

Telehealth has seen rapid growth both before and following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to its convenience, more patients are interested in telehealth for increased access, safety, and efficiency.

Wishing nurse practitioners across the country a happy NP Week! We appreciate your skillful expertise, comprehensive approach to health, and all you do to expand patient-centered, high-quality care for the millions who need it.

Let's say thanks and get to know why nurse practitioners are so crucial to our individual, family, and community health. Here's a snapshot of why we acknowledge and honor NPs this week:

"If we accept that sound is vibration and we know that vibration touches every part of our physical being, then we understand that sound is heard not only through our ears but through every cell in our bodies." – Integrative Oncologist Dr. Mitchell Gaynor.

Healers and physicians have been using sounds to soothe their patients since ancient times. In ancient Greece, the flute was played to calm patients with gout. Aristotle believed the cathartic effect of music could mimic the impact of some medical treatments, and quiet rooms were designed to help patients dream of healthy states of mind. This profound use of sound and music carries over across cultures. In China, music and healing have gone hand-in-hand for centuries. The Chinese character for medicine 藥 yào stems from the character for music 樂, yuè.

Thanks to COVID-19 and travel restrictions, virtual interviews are on the rise for all industries, including healthcare. For a physician, explaining your qualifications over technology is a lot different from pitching them in person. You may worry that you won’t seem sincere enough when you can’t meet your potential coworkers in person.