Eight ways to stay happy in practice

Solo physician Doug Iliff, MD, has read a lot about burnout, but he has never experienced it. Still practicing after 43 years, he attributes his long and happy career to the remarkable continuity of his staff and to eight lessons learned:

1. Stay small and nimble.

2. Put people before efficiency, and you'll get both.

3. Do today's work today.

4. Get out of your staff's way.

5. Know the difference between “difficult patients” and “characters.”

6. Have a life outside of medicine.

7. Make it personal.

8. Commit.

Adapted from “How to Be Happy in Practice for 30-Plus Years.”