According to the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, “The only way to avoid criticism is to do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.” That’s intriguing advice from someone who not only made major contributions in the fields of mathematics, agriculture, medicine, and politics but to have made that insightful comment, he clearly had his own share of critics back in 300 BC.
Aristotle’s wisdom holds the same truth today. To be great in any profession, especially medicine, you open yourself up for criticism, whether it’s constructive or critical. The trick is how to discern the difference and how to deal with it in the healthiest way possible.
Join us for the next Wellness Wednesdays session, “How to Deal with Negative Criticism,” on Wednesday, August 22, at 12:15 p.m., where you will have the opportunity to learn the personal benefits of constructive criticism and minimize the impact of emotional critics. The webinar is free and registration is open for physicians and their care teams to participate.
“Undoubtedly, negative criticism can have an emotional impact on an individual’s well-being,” said Nelson H. Heise, clinical director at the Ohio Physicians Health Program and the facilitator of the Ohio Academy of Family Physician’s Wellness Wednesdays program. “In the healthcare world, criticism comes in many forms and from many different sources.”
During the next Wellness Wednesdays session, we will explore the difference between negative criticism and constructive feedback, and discuss strategies for embracing helpful feedback while dealing with critical relationships that contribute to emotional fatigue.
Wellness Wednesdays is a structured, bi-monthly webinar series that focuses on enhancing professional and personal wellness through the joy of medicine. The series is facilitated by a licensed health care professional, is offered free, and scheduled on a Wednesday over the typical lunch hour (12:15 – 1 p.m.)
Participants will start each session with a brief overview of the discussion topic and then led through a practical exercise that helps the participant learn through self-exploration and personal awareness. Participants will have the opportunity to share their own insight at the end of the 45-minute program and make connections with their peers who are also interested in wellness and professional satisfaction.
Webinar Series Schedule and Registration
| Date | Discussion Topic (register for a session by clicking the title) |
| August 22 12:15-1:00 p.m. |
How to Deal with Negative Criticism |
| October 17 12:15-1:00 p.m. |
Coping with the Emotional Impact of Adverse Patient Outcomes |
| December 12 12:15-1:00 p.m. |
Reframing Perspective: Harnessing the Power of Giving Others the Benefit of the Doubt |
Archives of the previously recorded sessions and resources can be accessed on the OAFP website.
Other resources for improving physician wellness and beating burnout are available through the OAFP website.
If you have questions about the Wellness Wednesdays program, please contact Deputy Executive Vice President Kate Mahler, CAE, or call 800.742.7327.