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Laura Vater, MD
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How Physician Exhaustion Kills Compassion -- And Nurtures Shame
Published via STAT News It was 5 o’clock in the morning, and I entered the room of my eighth admission. A thin man was reclined in bed, a...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Ten Things Thriving Doctors Do
Many physicians are still thriving in an era of burnout and exhaustion in medicine. What are they doing differently? I've polled my...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Preparing for Fellowship Applications
If you’re applying for a fellowship this year or in the next few years, this guide is for you. This can be a stressful time, and here are...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Your First Year of Clinical Practice
Congratulations on finishing your training and stepping into your first clinical role! You are about to enter into the absolute best...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Facing Exhaustion & Burnout? Read this
There may be times in your training when your exhaustion or burnout exceeds your ability to continue. This happened to me while on home...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


We Honor the Patients We've Lost by Living Well
As a gastrointestinal oncologist who cares for patients with some of the most aggressive cancers, grief is something I often face. I have...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Intern Year Survival Guide
After graduating from med school, I was worried that I wasn't ready to start intern year. You might feel the same way right now. Trust...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Papaya (published in the Intima)
Published in the Intimal Journal of Narrative Medicine Fall 2021 A white rose was taped to the door, and I pushed the metal handle to...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Words for when You Feel Like Quitting
If you're facing an obstacle, or a deep discouragment, or failure, know that we've all been there. Here are some words that have helped...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Policy for Pregnant Residents to Protect Sleep & Fetal Health
In the spring of 2020, my former internal medicine program at the Indiana University School of Medicine drafted and instituted a new...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Transitioning to Residency Supervisory Roles
Going from being an intern to supervising interns (the next month) is quite a leap. I remember feeling overwhelmed at this juncture....
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


What Happens if There's a Medical Mistake? Next steps, Healing, and Self-Compassion
What happens when you make a medical mistake? This guide is about what to do next, how to prevent further errors, and how to heal. Dr....
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Overcoming Performance Anxiety: Tests, Presentations, & Procedures
It's normal to feel nervous before exams, presentations, and learning to do procedures on clinical rotations. Here are a few tangible...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Tips for Night Shifts & On Call
Whether you’re in training or practice, working overnight is incredibly challenging. The weight of responsibility for keeping patients...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Having a Child in Medical School or Residency Training
I once asked a mentor before medical school, "When is the best time to have children as a woman in medicine?" Her answer was this: "There...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


The Before and After (Published in JGIM)
Published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, June 2020 We sit at grouped desks, eyes on blinking green pagers then back to...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


5 Changes I've Made to Support My Mental Health
Here are some things I've changed to protect my well-being: 1. Talking about it – in therapy and personal relationships For too long, I...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Starting Fellowship? Some Advice for the Journey
Of all the transitions in medicine (starting med school, then med school to residency, supervising roles), I still feel that the...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Some Words for Moments of Rejection
If you’re in a season of rejection, know that this won’t last forever. Whether it's rejection from schools, programs, or jobs you've...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH


Protecting your Health, Relationships, & Life Beyond Your Career
A new attending reached out: “I’m struggling to balance my interest in medicine with time for my family, other interests outside of my...
Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
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