With Great Success Comes Great Sacrifice

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I have some great news about something my phenomenal wife, Rebeca (MD), has accomplished! But bear with me for a second because news like this doesn’t happen easily nor without sacrifices. And, as a human-centered designer highly focused on impacting systemic and structural change in health care (and beyond) through holistic and honest conversations, I want to point out a few things first. 

The system for becoming a doctor is designed to beat down the individual on the path (unintended consequence: it beats down their loved ones in close proximity too). Some of that is necessary to providing health care on the front lines of the hardest human experiences anyone will ever encounter. They have to deal with a lot to do what’s needed, at an incredibly high level, in the moment and over time. But a good portion of the rationale is still derived from a system designed for professionals who don’t look like my wife, and the consistent ramifications of this takes a toll. And it’s certainly not designed to support dual professional parents who are both equally compelled to be present at home and pursue their professional dreams (let alone hobbies). Not to mention that residency compensation (and opportunity cost) is not commensurate with work effort, value created, stress endured, health consequences, and administrative burden.

On the flip side, Rebeca has found incredible fulfillment in much of what she does clinically, has gained lifetime friends, colleagues, and mentors, and loves positively impacting patients, families, and healthcare in general when circumstances allow. The truth is the system did its designed job on her and us. But, here we are anyway, finding joy in being together, pursuing it all, and hopefully making a little dent in a system in need of change - with tons of trade-offs and daily tribulations for both of us along the way. 

And we’re not done yet! 

This picture was taken in Pittsburgh, PA - where we’ll be moving in June 2020 because Rebeca (MD) was accepted to an internal medicine fellowship for academic clinician-educator scholars with a focus on women’s health at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center! It’s perfect for her, and I’m so excited to see her advance to something that’s not only prestigious but a great fit for who she is as a person and professional. I can’t wait to find a way to make the puzzle work again with our little team and support her on her journey to supporting others. If you have connections in Pittsburgh that you think would be good for me/us, please send me a message!

To discuss or learn more, email Joel directly at joel@jwcollaborative.com or see jwcollaborative.com.