This blog came about not because I’m an expert on wellness or being a physician, but because I’m a teacher.  I’m a Professor of Surgery, Pediatrics and Medical Ethics at Baylor College of Medicine and a practicing pediatric surgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital .  I’m involved in education on a day to day basis in my clinical work.  I also have the pleasure of thinking about medical education on a bigger scale through my work as Vice Chair of Education of the Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery and Associate Dean of Student Affairs at Baylor College of Medicine.

I started this blog for three reasons.

First, I wanted a place to share information about how to really succeed in medical school and residency – not just academically, but personally as well.

The faculty, residents and students I work with struggle with how to find time to take care of themselves, as do I. The second reason I started this website was to publish a “tool kit” of specific ways to incorporate exercise, better nutrition, stress reduction and other wellness habits into busy schedules.

The third, and maybe most important reason I started this blog is to have a way to talk about the joy of practicing medicine.  We are in a difficult time of transition in medicine, a time where it can be difficult to remember the meaning and purpose of this work. I hope sharing a little inspiration from time to time will  be a good antidote for those days we feel overwhelmed…

For information you might hear in the surgeon’s lounge follow me on Twitter @drmlb

I welcome guest posts, especially from medical students and residents.  Please contact me if you are interested!

Disclaimer:   Anything on this blog represents my opinion and does not reflect the opinion of Baylor College of Medicine.

Mary L. Brandt, MD