Using inquiry-based stress reduction to treat medical malpractice stress syndrome

“We are busy people who have had much success; looking at our painful thoughts is not something we have had the need or opportunity to do. We may be a little anxious, neurotic, even, but we are respected, helpful, and successful. We tell ourselves that our anxiety is a small price to pay for all this success. Sometimes it takes a life-changing event to see that the truths we hold so close are not helping us. We are successful despite our anxiety, not because of it. Opposing counsel desperately hopes we do not question our thinking. They bank on the legal process bringing up so many underlying beliefs that we settle cases early or show up to trial withdrawn, anxious or angry. Our mental clarity, unfettered by stressful thoughts sometimes carried for a lifetime, is our best legal defense.” Lara Patriquin is a radiologist and physician coach and speaker. She shares her story and discusses her KevinMD article, “Using inquiry-based stress reduction to treat medical malpractice stress syndrome.”