Running to Work

CoraLynn B. Trewet

 

What do I do to figure out how to adjust insulin on one of my diabetic patients or critique the latest trial in JAMA? Go for a run and work through it. How do I escape pharmacy all together and focus on me? Run away from it, literally. Throughout pharmacy school I was looking for a way to be healthy and set goals that didn’t require the score of an exam as an outcome. Setting a goal to run a marathon became a healthy way to work through the stress of classes and work towards a goal that was about me and not about pharmacokinetics! And I was hooked…since running my first marathon in pharmacy school, I have run five marathons. Physically, running has helped me lose weight and increase my energy level. On the rare day that I don’t run, I feel sluggish and tired the entire day. Mentally, running helps me work through all that is on my mind. Not only does this help me professionally, but it gives me time to improve my personal life and personal relationships as well. Emotionally, I feel better about myself and am ready to conquer whatever the day may bring my way after I run each morning. I would have NEVER guessed ten years ago that I could run a marathon—so if I can do it, you can do it. Working towards a goal set just for me has been one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

June 2007

It’s a Balancing Act

Samaneh T. Wilkinson

 

Everyone faces the issue of time management at some point in their career; however, it seems that regardless of your position or title, the first few years can be the trickiest. It is crucial to take the time, albeit busy and hectic, to establish your own personal work-life balance. Ultimately this will contribute to your successes and well-being.

As a New Practitioner in a challenging career, maintaining a balance has been difficult at times. As the most recent addition to a seasoned pharmacy administration team, I often feel that I need to ‘pay my dues’ in order to enjoy my time away from work. Although I find it easy to walk away from work at the end of the day, most evenings are spent ‘following up’ on e-mails, finessing presentations, and protocols, or other work-related activities.

I quickly realized that this pattern was taking a physical toll; only six months into my newly acquired position I had difficulty sleeping, heart palpitations, and weight gain. It wasn’t long before I noticed a changed attitude, not for the better. I knew that progressing along this path would be my demise. So, I went on a vacation; a long vacation. My husband and I booked a trip to Greece and it was great! Six months later, we booked a trip to London and Paris, even better! Traveling has become my conduit to balance. A demanding work environment encourages me to work hard but traveling provides me with my personal haven. In the two years since my graduation from the KU Master’s Program, my husband and I have been on numerous trips. Some were very extravagant and others were quick weekend get-a-ways. Regardless, these trips have allowed me to walk away and come back happy, healthy, and rejuvenated. Whatever your balance may be, find it quickly, will optimize your ability to take care of your patients and career.

June 2007