Medicine often carries an aura of mystique—a profession elevated by society as a noble calling, a higher pursuit. But for those of us in the trenches, the reality is far simpler (: medicine is a job. A demanding, high-stakes, and sometimes unforgiving job, but a job nonetheless. This isn’t a dismissal of its importance but rather a grounding truth. And like any job, the experience of working in medicine depends largely on what we choose to focus on, how we manage its challenges, and the effort we put into finding its rewards.

The beauty in medicine is not inherent; it’s cultivated. We choose to see and protect it, even amidst long hours, tough decisions, and emotional strain. By actively identifying and preserving these moments of beauty, we create a professional life that supports our patients and our own well-being. This piece explores how medicine, despite its difficulties, holds opportunities for wonder and meaning – IF we decide to seek them out.

This post doesn’t seek to forgive or even ignore the multitude of causes leading to increasing burnout rates in healthcare, but to focus on the good parts – the parts that we’re sometimes too keen to overlook because of the wall of moral injury that we’re constantly exposed to.

We’re all Human

Medicine’s uniqueness lies in its proximity to human vulnerability. Few other professions require such an intimate understanding of another person’s pain, fear, and resilience. In our day-to-day work, we witness raw humanity, often in its most unfiltered forms. We often see people on their worst days, we encounter them at their most vulnerable, and so we see a side of people that few are often let into. We’re uniquely privy to the loss of life, and how that affects the people adjacent to it.

Where there are Humans, there is Humanity

It’s easy to get lost in the mechanics of the job: completing charts, managing caseloads, and navigating bureaucracy. But within these tasks lie countless opportunities to connect. A patient’s smile after a successful treatment, the gratitude of a family member, or even a shared laugh amid stress – these moments remind us that we’re part of something larger than ourselves.

A resident recently told me that they’ve started on anchor on the joy they feel when they reassure someone that their chest pain is a benign entity – being intentional about identifying a common positive occurrence, a patient encounter that we’d often fail to register in our brains as having any significance or meaning. 

The intent is important here because these moments don’t just happen; they require effort to notice and appreciate. By intentionally seeking out the humanity in our work, we reclaim agency over our experience, ensuring that the job doesn’t feel like an endless grind but a series of meaningful interactions.

Listen Closely

One of the most rewarding aspects of medicine is the opportunity to hear people’s stories. Patients don’t just present symptoms; they bring narratives – complex, nuanced, and deeply personal. When I talk to some of our more veteran staff (the old guard, as it were) they often cite that sitting down and talking to people is what brings them the most joy in their clinical work – and it is that experience that has maintained a sense of career longevity for them.

Chose to Listen

In a world where time is scarce, choosing to listen is an act of intentionality. It transforms a routine patient encounters into a meaningful exchange, one where patients feel heard and valued. For clinicians, this act of listening is equally enriching. It reminds us of the privilege we have in being trusted with someone’s story and creates a sense of connection that can make even the hardest days feel worthwhile. Sometimes, having someone listen to them is exactly what a patient needs – it helps establish rapport, and that can often lead to easier patient interactions. 

Medicine may be a job, but within the structure of that job lies the chance to engage with the human experience in profound ways. Listening isn’t just good practice; it’s a way to find fulfillment in the work we do.

The Aesthetic of Knowledge: Finding Wonder in Complexity

One of the important domains of wellness is intellectual, and few jobs are as intellectually stimulating as medicine. The human body is an intricate puzzle, and every patient encounter offers a chance to solve a piece of it.

Cognitive Exercises ARE good for you

While the intellectual rigor of medicine can sometimes feel overwhelming, it also provides a steady stream of opportunities for curiosity and growth. There is beauty in the problem-solving process: diagnosing a tricky condition, fine-tuning a treatment plan, or unraveling the interconnectedness of systems within the body.

Choosing to view these challenges as opportunities for discovery can reinvigorate our passion for the work. Even in the routine, there are sparks of wonder if we remain open to seeing them.

One of my colleagues has spent decades working countless night shifts, yet he still speaks about interesting cases with such unbridled joy and enthusiasm that it’s clear how he has endured the darkest hours for so long while still finding fulfillment. His intellectual curiosity remains undiminished, serving as a steady anchor during even the most challenging shifts.

Medicine, through the eyes of ‘The House of God‘

Samuel Shem’s The House of God famously pulls back the curtain on medicine, exposing its flaws and absurdities with biting humor. At its heart, though, the novel echoes a truth central to this piece: medicine, like any job, is what we make of it.

While Shem critiques the dehumanizing aspects of the profession, his characters also find moments of redemption in their connections—with patients, colleagues, and themselves. These moments, though fleeting, remind them (and us) that the beauty in medicine is not automatic; it’s something we must actively seek amidst the chaos. The protagonist’s eventual realization is a lesson for us all: by focusing on what matters most—human connection, self-awareness, and shared purpose—we can create meaning and joy in even the most challenging circumstances.

Resilience and Agency: Choosing to See the Beauty

Medicine is hard. It tests the limits of our patience, stamina, and emotional resilience. But it also offers opportunities to find purpose and joy—if we allow it to. The key is recognizing that we have agency in how we approach our work.

Owning our Experience

It’s tempting to view ourselves as victims of the system, overwhelmed by demands and expectations. But reclaiming control, even in small ways, can transform our experience. Whether it’s by focusing on a particularly rewarding aspect of the job, seeking support from colleagues, or taking steps to protect our time outside of work, we have the power to shape our professional lives.

In medicine, as in any job, beauty is a choice. It’s about actively noticing the good amidst the challenges and creating space for moments that uplift and inspire.

Of course, we have a choice. We can focus on the flaws in the system, ignore the positives, and wish for something better. But who truly benefits from that? In a perfect system, personal agency wouldn’t be necessary—but for now, no one is coming to rescue us from our present circumstances. It’s up to us to cultivate and protect the beauty within medicine for ourselves.

Take-Home Pearls:

Finding beauty in medicine isn’t passive—it requires effort. Here are some actionable ways to cultivate positivity and sustain occupational wellness:

1.Reflect on Gratitude

Take time to acknowledge the good moments in your day, however small. A patient’s progress, a kind word from a colleague, or a task completed well can all be sources of gratitude.

2.Build Supportive Relationships

Connect with colleagues who understand the demands of the job. Sharing experiences and leaning on one another can create a sense of camaraderie that lightens the load.

3.Focus on What You Can Control

While you can’t eliminate all the stressors of the job, you can control your mindset and approach. Prioritize what’s within your influence and let go of the rest.

4.Celebrate the Wins

Acknowledge and celebrate successes, no matter how small. These moments of recognition help balance the weight of the challenges.

5.Protect Your Personal Time

Set boundaries to ensure that work doesn’t consume your life. Pursue hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and prioritize rest. A balanced life outside of work supports wellness within it.

6.Find Meaning in Growth

Seek opportunities to learn and grow, whether through mentorship, continuing education, or personal exploration. Intellectual stimulation can reignite your sense of purpose.

Final Thoughts: The Job we choose to create

Medicine isn’t magical. It’s not a calling or a higher pursuit reserved for the virtuous few. It’s a job—one with unique challenges and remarkable opportunities. The beauty in medicine isn’t intrinsic; it’s a reflection of what we choose to see and how we choose to approach our work.

By cultivating gratitude, embracing human connection, and focusing on the aspects of the job that bring us joy, we create a professional life that supports both our patients and ourselves. Medicine, at its best, can be a source of pride and fulfillment—not because it’s inherently special but because we’ve decided to make it so.

The beauty in medicine, like in life, is what we choose to make of it. Let’s choose to see it, protect it, and let it sustain us.