Self-reflection is purported to be one of the greatest weapons in the arsenal of medical learning. Aristotle himself said: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” His greatest student, Socrates, was even more pointed: “An unexamined life is not worth living.”

Clinicians are trained to believe that self-observation is the road to empathy, to understanding, and ultimately, to becoming a thoroughly conscientious and efficacious physician.

So applications abound. Journaling. Self-reflection prompts. Discussion groups on what could have been “done differently.”

But when does self-observation become self-critique? When does self-reflection lead to self-doubt? It is not unusual for medical students and even residents to begin introspective assignments with enthusiasm and end with harsh self-criticism. Positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement are viewed as opposite ends of the spectrum, and yet the line between them blurs. After a certain number of repetitions, doesn’t “What could have been done differently…? Done differently…? Done differently…?” become a euphemism for “You messed up. You messed up. You messed up”?

Clinicians are used to being high achievers, and unfortunately, high self-criticism comes with it. There will always be a balance between self-confidence and self-awareness. This is the very reason that Transonic builds our specific product lines. For example, many unseen problems can occur in and around a CABG graft. No surgeon should have to close and walk away from the table hoping that the flow was sufficient. Our technology quickly and accurately measures volume flow inside a native vessel, either assuring the surgeon of their excellent work, or allowing them opportunity to correct an obstruction or competitive flow they would otherwise have had no way of detecting.

Afterall, isn’t that the source of most medical anxiety? Wondering about the potentially unseen, or the potentially undone… or the potentially “What could have been done better”? Transonic exists to close the gap between great skill and limited human senses.

Yes, your students and residents deserve a good night’s sleep, free from nagging worry.

But so do you.

                Thanks for reading,

                                    Transonic Systems, Inc.

                                                             The Measure of Better Results

References:

Reflection vs. rumination: Is medical education harming students?