Gratitude, Reconnection, and Generosity Increase the Value of Our Peer Relationships

It’s the start of a new year, and as I start on a new journey of leading ENTtoday, I’d like to share with you some thoughts I’ve had on gratitude in general and reconnecting in particular. As otolaryngologists, we aren’t able to care for our patients without the support of countless healthcare community members—unlike some professions, we cannot do our job alone or remotely. I am very grateful for anesthesia providers, OR and perioperative nurses, surgical techs, administrative staff, physician assistants, and medical assistants, all of whom are vital to our having the privilege to operate on patients with head and neck disorders.

Strong relationships with our healthcare teams not only improve quality of care but also improve well-being, decreasing the risk of burnout. Some of the most enjoyable parts of my day are catching up with members of my surgical team; sharing stories of our lives, our stressors, our successes, and our dreams connects us as humans. It makes my job even more fulfilling. A quick hello, a gentle nod with a smile (hidden under a mask) while passing colleagues in the OR hallways, connects us.

We work in a unique environment where we’re able to positively impact the microclimate of our OR room. Numerous studies have shown that creating a psychologically safe environment where everyone can voice suggestions and concerns improves the quality of care. Creation of psychologically safe microclimates over time should evolve into an overall improvement of work culture in healthcare. In this time of staffing shortages and economic uncertainty, it’s even more important to take the extra time to connect, acknowledge contributions, and express gratitude.

At the end of 2019, to be honest, I was a little burned out on work travel, having gone to three meetings in three weeks, traveling halfway around the globe. While I loved the comradery of dinners with friends and the opportunity to present my research, it was tiring in combination with maintaining a clinical practice and home activities with an (amazingly supportive) spouse and three kids. That said, I did not need a three-year hiatus. Walking down the corridor at the convention center in Philadelphia at the AAO–HNS meeting, I felt the energy and connection that was present at pre-COVID meetings. While the stated purpose of the meetings is CME, it’s also a chance to connect with our colleagues from around the world and, importantly, to introduce our trainees to colleagues outside of our local geography.

These connections greatly expand the value of the meetings beyond the educational content. Some of my best friends are people who’ve never lived in my city but have connected with me during meetings, standing in line for coffee, over dinner, or at a reception. I hope the unstated value of in-person meetings isn’t lost and that those of us who have had our careers so deeply enriched will be able to do the same for those coming out of training in our new hybrid world.

—Robin