Resiliency and medicine: how to create a positive energy balance

A career in orthopaedics is a race-a marathon. Many outside forces converge to increase stressors to high levels. Resiliency, or the ability to bounce back from difficulty, can be learned and nurtured. The management of energy, rather than time, holds the key to avoiding burnout. Orthopaedic surgeons must minimize "energy drain" by first recognizing their ability to become proactive and control their lives. Surgeons must learn how to say "no" and delegate work and responsibilities. A positive energy balance can be attained when relationships, not things, are given priority. A focus on passions and inspiration helps to maintain energy, while a connection to a "source" and living a morally just, service-oriented life will yield endless energy.