How Physicians Can Take Guilt-free Vacations

For many physicians, the idea of taking a vacation can be stressful.  The thought of leaving patients, disrupting workflows, and burdening colleagues often leads to feeling guilty.  However, time off is essential for maintaining personal well-being and professional effectiveness.  Here are a few tips on how you can take a well-deserved break without (or less) guilt and return to work refreshed and more effective than before.

1. Recognize the Importance of Rest

   Physicians dedicate their professional lives to caring for others, often at the expense of their own health.  Research shows that regular vacations improve mental health, reduce the risk of burnout, and enhance job satisfaction1.  Remind yourself that taking time away benefits not only you but also your patients; a well-rested MD provides better health care.

   
   

2. Plan Ahead and Prepare Your Team

   One of the main sources of guilt comes from worrying about patient care while you’re away.  To mitigate this:

   1. Inform your colleagues and staff well in advance.

   2. Ensure that all pending tasks are addressed before you leave.

   3. Designate a trusted colleague to handle urgent matters in your absence (and offer to do the same for them when they are away).

   4. Communicate with patients who may require follow-up what the alternative arrangements are.

      
      

3. Set Boundaries and Truly Disconnect

   This is a hard one, especially with the modern convenience of logging into your emails and EMR from anywhere in the world.  To really unplug from work during vacations:

   1. Set clear expectations with your team about emergencies and when you can (and can’t) be contacted.

   2. If you can’t avoid checking emails, try not responding.

   3. Trust that your colleagues are capable of handling things while you’re away.

      
      

4. Choose the Right Time for a Break

   1. While emergencies are inevitable in medicine, choosing better times for vacation can reduce stress. 

      Consider:

      1. Scheduling time off during less busy seasons.

      2. Coordinating vacation schedules at the beginning of the year with a colleague to ensure coverage.

      3. Avoiding time periods after a major change in your practice, such as starting a new position or launching a new initiative.

5. Reframe Guilt as a Necessity for Longevity

   Instead of viewing vacation as a selfish act, look at it as a necessary investment in your career and personal/family life.  Think of vacation as mandatory for providing compassionate, high-quality care.

   
   

6. Start Small

   No one says you have to take 3 months off to wander off the grid in the Himalayas.  If taking a full week off seems daunting, start with a long weekend.  Gradually, you’ll build confidence in your ability to step away without disrupting patient care, and realize that the world keeps spinning even when you’re not at work.

   
   

7. Lead by Example

   If you’re in a leadership position, encourage a culture where taking breaks is normalized.  When senior physicians model healthy work-life balance, it encourages more junior colleagues to do the same without fear of judgment.

   
   

8. Return Refreshed and Reintegrate Smoothly

   1. Coming back to work after a break can sometimes feel overwhelming.  Ease back into your routine by:

      1. Considering adding a ‘buffer day’ between the end of vacation and the first day of work.  You can review any important updates before your first day back.  Some MDs will schedule a reduced number of patients on Day 1 to account for the extra administrative tasks.

      2. Catching up with colleagues and team members socially.

      3. Prioritizing tasks and gradually re-engaging with your full workload over a few days.

Taking a vacation as a physician is not a luxury – it’s a necessity.  By planning ahead, setting boundaries, and reframing guilt as a professional responsibility, you can take time off without regret.  Prioritizing your own well-being allows you to provide the best care possible.

Author: Dr. Krishna Sharma, Director of Physician Engagement, Specialty Medical Partners

References:

1.     Sinsky CA, Trockel MT, Dyrbye LN, et al.  Vacation days taken, work during vacation, and burnout among US physicians.  JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(1):e2351635. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.51635

Contact Us