By Robert MacArthur, MD
In the hustle of medical practice, where our lives revolve around caring for others, it’s easy to neglect our own well-being. Over the years, I’ve come to realize the importance of maintaining physical fitness—not just for health, but for the direct impact it has on my work as a physician. The benefits of physical activity extend beyond the body, sharpening mental clarity, enhancing empathy, and ultimately improving patient care. Let me walk you through the various ways that staying physically active has shaped and benefited my medical practice.
Physical Fitness as Mental Clarity
Maintaining physical fitness isn’t just about the obvious health benefits; it’s also about keeping the mind sharp. Exercise has a proven impact on cognitive function, memory retention, and mental resilience. As physicians, we frequently juggle a high volume of information, multitask, and make rapid decisions. The focus and clarity needed to analyze symptoms, investigate diagnoses, and interpret test results demand a mind that’s alert and agile. Physical exercise helps me reach this level of mental sharpness.
During my medical training, I noticed that regular exercise routines helped me manage the intense demands and, surprisingly, retain information better. Research shows that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, enhancing memory and concentration. I personally feel this effect, especially when tackling the more demanding aspects of patient care. In practice, I make it a priority to exercise even on busy days because I know it enhances my cognitive performance, enabling me to stay focused, keep my energy up, and avoid the mental fatigue that so many of us experience in this field.
Building Empathy and Resilience
Physical fitness helps me connect with my patients on a deeper level, as it reminds me of the discipline, commitment, and resilience they must cultivate when managing their health conditions. Many of my patients are facing physical challenges, some of which can be addressed or improved with lifestyle changes, including exercise. Being personally dedicated to physical fitness enables me to empathize with their journey, especially for patients who need to make substantial changes in their routines to improve their health.
Exercise, particularly endurance sports, has taught me to work through physical discomfort and maintain focus, which in turn has developed my empathy for patients going through chronic pain or long-term treatment. As a doctor, it’s easy to prescribe a solution or treatment; however, understanding what patients go through on an emotional level is equally important. When I talk to a patient about their condition, I feel that my own fitness journey allows me to communicate with greater empathy, motivating them to stay on course in their own health journeys.
Physical Stamina in the Medical Field
Physical stamina is essential for the demands of a medical career, especially during long shifts or complex procedures. It might surprise some, but even in non-surgical fields, doctors are often on their feet, constantly moving, and sometimes working for hours on end without a break. Keeping up with a regular fitness regimen helps me build endurance to withstand these physical demands without feeling worn down.
There have been times when I’ve had to work through back-to-back shifts or face high patient volumes during flu season, for instance. The physical stamina I’ve built up from regular running and strength training routines is what has allowed me to meet these demands without burning out. For anyone in medicine, building endurance through physical activity is invaluable for longevity in the field. We often discuss self-care for patients, but I’m a big proponent of “practicing what we preach,” and taking care of ourselves through regular exercise.
A Balanced Approach to Stress Management
The medical field is demanding and, at times, emotionally draining. Stress is a constant companion, whether it’s managing patient outcomes, dealing with complex cases, or addressing healthcare administrative responsibilities. Exercise has become my go-to outlet for managing the stress that accumulates throughout the day. When I’m running, biking, or lifting weights, I’m able to clear my mind, process the day’s events, and release any pent-up tension.
The physical release that comes with exercise is incredibly cathartic. Studies show that exercise can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while releasing endorphins, which help elevate mood and improve overall well-being. I often encourage my colleagues to prioritize physical activity because it can make a real difference in their ability to manage the inherent stresses of this profession. Fitness has become a form of “active meditation” for me, giving me the mental space I need to recharge and refocus.
Setting an Example for Patients
As doctors, we advise patients to lead healthier lives, which often involves encouraging them to engage in regular physical activity. To be authentic and effective in this advice, I believe we need to embody those principles ourselves. When patients know that I’m personally committed to fitness, they tend to take my recommendations more seriously. The ability to say, “I know it’s difficult, but here’s what worked for me,” allows me to relate to them beyond just clinical advice.
One memorable patient experience involved a gentleman who was hesitant to start an exercise routine. Through sharing my own fitness journey, I was able to encourage him to begin small, manageable steps. Over time, he made significant lifestyle changes that greatly improved his health. Watching patients take control of their health by incorporating fitness into their lives has been incredibly rewarding, reminding me why I believe so strongly in leading by example.
Creating a Culture of Wellness in Medicine
Physical fitness is a way to promote a culture of wellness in our industry, where physician burnout is becoming increasingly common. Exercise not only keeps us healthy but also helps create a supportive atmosphere where we encourage one another to make wellness a priority. As healthcare professionals, we need to advocate for our own health and well-being, just as we do for our patients.
In conclusion, the mind-body connection is a powerful force, and the benefits of staying physically fit have far-reaching impacts on my practice and personal life. Physical fitness has given me clarity, stamina, resilience, and empathy—qualities that have made me a better doctor and person. I hope to continue advocating for fitness among my peers, knowing that by caring for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others.