Stethoscopes and Strollers
Welcome to Stethoscopes & Strollers! I'm Dr. Toya, mom of two, OBGYN, and coach for physician moms. Here, we go beyond the hospital halls, into the messy, magical early years of parenting—think diapers, sleepless nights, and figuring out how to deal with all those unexpected twists and turns.
Every episode, I dive into topics like mental health, the ins and outs of postpartum sex, sorting out childcare, and how having little ones changes your marriage. We’ll talk about getting back to work after baby, the real deal with mom guilt thanks to those tough doctor schedules, what pumping at work is really like, and how to keep all the balls in the air without dropping any. We’re here to get real about the hard choices, like deciding to stop breastfeeding, and so much more. This is a space for focusing on taking care of you, because managing scrubs and swaddles takes a village.
You'll figure out how to ask for and actually accept help, because let’s be honest, getting support is crucial for thriving as both a mom and a doctor.
Just a quick heads-up: while we're all about sharing and supporting, remember this isn’t medical advice. We’re here to connect, share experiences, and grow—together, without the medical jargon.
So, grab your coffee or tea, and get ready to dive into those parts of being a physician mom that don't get talked about enough. You're not riding this roller coaster alone, and you definitely deserve all the support you can get.
Tune in to Stethoscopes & Strollers for some real, honest insights and practical tips to make momming a bit easier. It’s time to get the conversation started!
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Stethoscopes and Strollers
44. In Defense of Being 'Slow': Why Excellence Takes Time
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Hey doc! In today's episode of ✨Stethoscopes and Strollers✨, I'm challenging the criticism many excellent Physicians face: "Why are you so slow?"
The "slow" Physicians often have the happiest patients, best outcomes, and fewest complications. There's a direct connection between taking time and providing excellent care.
We explore:
- Why patients prefer thorough care over quick visits
- How comprehensive documentation improves continuity of care
- The connection between surgical precision and better outcomes
- Why patient education reduces complications
Key insights: When you take time with patients, they understand their health better, follow treatment plans more effectively, and experience fewer complications. Your detailed documentation helps other providers deliver better care. Your careful surgical technique prevents readmissions.
Doc, your commitment to thorough care creates better outcomes. Don't let anyone rush your excellence.
What did you think of the episode, doc? Let me know!
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Hey doc, I have a question for you. Why are you so slow? When patients come in to the clinic with you, you're in there for like half an hour. Why are you so slow? You're always behind. All of your patients take really long and then you take super long with your notes. Why are you so slow? When you're in the OR.
The cases take really long time. Why are you so slow? When you go into round, you're in there for a really long time. Like, I can't imagine nobody else, none of your other partners, are like this. They are like, in and out. So, why are you so slow? We, we need to do something about this. And, you know, I know that these are a lot of questions, but I have some more.
Why are your patients so happy? Like, when they come out from the room with you in the clinic, they have nothing but good things to say. They say things like, I've never met a doctor that explained things to me that way. I never understood things like this. I'm overwhelmed by the information, but I feel so empowered that I actually know what's going on with my health.
How come they're so happy? How come they bring presents for you and want to drop by and anytime somebody mentions you they're like, oh my gosh That's my doctor. How come they don't want to see anybody else when they call and you're out? How come? How come your notes are so good? Like I read one of your notes and It was so comprehensive Everything I needed was there.
The imaging studies, the referral reports Everything. How come? Like, when I read through your assessment and plan, I could follow your train of thought. I can see the reasoning. I can see how you pulled on all of your medical knowledge on the current studies, the unique situation of this actual patient. I got the entire picture and I felt like I knew this patient and I knew what the plan was and it was clear and I also knew they got excellent care.
How come? Doc, how come when we're in the OR, your patients do so well? They don't need a bunch of transfusions, the room isn't panicky, the scrub techs aren't like screaming for different instruments and calling for consultants to come in because things get damaged. That happens a lot with these other people.
How come? How come the patients on the floor are so well informed and they feel so confident and comfortable after their procedures? And they know that there's a plan for them and they're reassured after you leave the room.
Why is it that everybody else's patients get readmitted, they have to go back to the OR, after a couple days, but yours, when they leave, we don't see them again. Why is that?
How come? Is it because you're slow? Or is it because you are meticulous? Is it because you take the time to counsel them, to make sure they understand, to draw pictures, to make sure their family members don't have questions, to repeat things and explain it in a way that is easily understandable for any person?
Is it because when you're in the OR, you take your time? You are careful. You know that speed does not equal quality. Is it that you're slow? Or is it that you are an excellent physician? Now don't get me wrong, I am all for efficiency. I am all for improving your charting and not going home with your charts and doing everything that you have to do.
But don't you dare change the way that you are practicing medicine because your patients are doing better. They are happier. They are more empowered because you're so slow. And don't let anybody ever make you feel like you need to change your practice because you're slow. Thank you. Thanks. You're too slow.
I want you to share this with another slow physician. I guarantee you she needs to hear this and I will see you on the next episode of Stethoscopes and Strollers.
