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Welcome to The Medicine Mentors interview series. Our mission is to create a platform for top physician mentors to share key insights, traits and best practices based on their experiences to guide medical students and residents.

To learn more please visit us at www.themedicinementors.com

Nov 12, 2020

Mark Siegel, MD, is a Professor of Medicine and the Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Siegel graduated from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He joined Yale as a Pulmonary & Critical Care fellow and has been a full time Yale faculty member since then. His major clinical focus is in the ICU and has participated in several multicenter clinical research trials investigating new treatments for sepsis and ARDS. He serves on the Editorial Boards of Critical Care Medicine, Chest, the Annals of the American Thoracic Society, and the American Journal of Medicine and is a recipient of several awards including Teacher of the Year at Yale University and the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award.

Dr. Mark Siegel has simple, yet powerful advice for new physicians: Whatever we do, and wherever we end up, resolve to love it. Today, we learn what it means to fully recognize the gift we have as physicians. Taking care of patients during critical times of their lives is a massive responsibility--and a massive privilege as well. Dr. Siegel encourages us to recognize the honor of having patients put their faith and trust in us, knowing that their well-being depends on our care. As we go forward in our journey, keeping our patients at the center of our motivation is what will lead to more meaning and joy in our careers.

Pearls of Wisdom:

1. Whatever you do, and whatever field you end up in, resolve to love what you do.
2. Appreciate the gift of being a physician: Remember it is a special privilege to be with patients during these critical times of their lives.
3. Look for mentors with generosity of spirit. And remember that the relationship is bi-directional. They are making a commitment to us, so we need to honor that and reciprocate.
4. Residence is tough, but self-care is not selfish. Prioritize wellness throughout your career. Get enough to eat, get enough sleep, and remember the basic tenets of personal health.