KEY TOPIC
Maintaining Work-Life Balance
Edited by John Soeder
Illustrations: Ken Kula
Rob Saper, MD, MPH
ROB SAPER, MD, MPH
Working in healthcare is immensely rewarding, but it’s also demanding. We dedicate a lot of energy to providing the best care possible. To continue showing up for our patients in meaningful ways, it’s crucial that we replenish ourselves outside of work. To that end, I do a few things. I reserve one day each weekend to fully disconnect from work. This time is spent reconnecting with family, friends and activities that bring me joy. I have a personal phone, separate from my work phone, so work communications stay on one device. Lastly, my email signature encourages people not to respond outside of work hours. I also use the “send later” function, ensuring nonurgent emails are delivered during regular work hours. By intentionally carving out space for rest, I return to work refreshed and better equipped to care for my patients and support our caregivers.
Dr. Saper is Chair of the Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine.
Hometown: Cheshire, Connecticut.
First job: Washing dishes at the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club in Grand Teton National Park.
Undergraduate education: Brandeis University with one year abroad at the University of London, Queen Elizabeth College.
Currently reading: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
Pastime pleasure: Bicycling; alto saxophone; yoga.
Margaret McKenzie, MD
MARGARET McKENZIE, MD
The construct of work-life “balance” doesn’t make sense. Life is about the interplay between our different roles at work, at home and in the community. Early in my career, I made a conscious choice to take a step back professionally to raise my children, but I didn’t allow myself to disappear. The key was learning that you don’t have to be everything to everyone, all the time. Nowadays, my approach is goal-driven, but with flexibility. I reflect frequently on what matters most and set goals accordingly. I’m also a big believer in routines. My mornings start early, with a moment of silence and self-care before I jump into the day’s demands. Sunday evenings, I always sit down to plan my week. It helps ensure that I’m not reacting to life, but rather setting the pace.
Dr. McKenzie is President of Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital.
Hometown: Georgetown, Guyana.
First job: Accounting clerk at the Treasury Department.
Undergraduate education: Portland State University.
Currently reading: Leading Successful Change by Gregory Shea and Cassie Solomon.
Pastime pleasure: Traveling; biking; cooking; entertaining.
Michael Bloomfield, MD
MICHAEL BLOOMFIELD, MD
I prefer the term “work-life integration.” Rather than chasing the illusion of perfect balance, I’ve found it’s more about managing the natural ebb and flow between work and personal life. One thing that helps is trusting my team. By delegating tasks and avoiding micromanagement, I can step away without worrying. I’ve also made a habit of batching small, time-consuming tasks — like reading and sending emails and administrative work — so they don’t spill over into my personal time. Turning off email notifications and designating a specific spot for my work phone helps reduce distractions, so I’m not constantly pulled back into work mode. I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t entirely cracked the work-life code, but that’s OK. What matters most to me is making family time a priority and being realistic about what I can commit to, at work and at home.
Dr. Bloomfield is a staff physician in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Hometown: Fairview Park, Ohio.
First job: Lifeguard.
Undergraduate education: Xavier University.
Currently reading: David Baldacci
Pastime pleasure: Spending time with my family and traveling.
Jessica Ruff, MD, MA, MSPH
JESSICA RUFF, MD, MA, MSPH
Achieving work-life balance is like managing the scales of justice — the balance is always shifting. Rather than striving for a perfect equilibrium, I’ve found a few strategies that work for me. First, learn to say, “No.” It’s OK to turn down additional professional or personal commitments, especially when they threaten to overwhelm. Second, be intentional about time. When I lived in Kenya, we took morning and afternoon tea breaks and a full hour for lunch. No one discussed work during those times. It’s a simple way to reset and recharge. Third, give yourself grace. “Balancing” work and life is an ongoing practice. Some days I nail it; some days I don’t. Be kind to yourself. At the end of the day, it’s about being present for life’s important moments.
Dr. Ruff is the Information Technology Medical Director for Patient Journey and a staff physician in the Department of Wellness and Preventive Medicine.
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio.
First job: Cashier.
Undergraduate education: Miami University.
Currently reading: The Plant-Based Athlete by Matt Frazier and Robert Cheeke.
Pastime pleasure: Reading murder mysteries; going to Orange Theory; trying new plant-based recipes.