Author Archives: Helane Fronek

Unknown's avatar

About Helane Fronek

Over the past 28 years I have had a fascinating and fulfilling career in medicine, initially practicing as a general internist and then as a procedural specialist, caring for patients with vein disorders. As Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UC- San Diego School of Medicine, I’m thrilled to be teaching medical students crucial communication skills along with many other aspects involved in the practice of medicine.

What are the signs that you’re unhappy? Physician coaching can help you create the life you want to be living

A talented friend of mine worked for a while in a software company.  She liked the people she worked with and the pay was good.  But the work was draining and not creative.  Each time she had a bad day, … Continue reading

Posted in physician burnout, physician coach, physician coaching | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Asking the right questions to make 2016 sparkle: Physician Coaching for everyone

The first day of the year was filled with delights.  A chance encounter with the brave members of the Polar Bear Club of San Diego as they ran into the Pacific Ocean for their annual dip (cold, though not as frigid as Lake … Continue reading

Posted in mindfulness, physician coach, physician coaching | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Looking for the perfect gift? Here’s a daring suggestion!

The holidays are upon us – and with them, the stress of finding that perfect gift for our families, friends, colleagues and employees. Advertising comes at us from all angles and we wonder what each person on our list might … Continue reading

Posted in physician coach, physician coaching | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Beware the pedestal! Physician coaching may save you a painful fall

As healthcare providers, we see many types of people.  With each encounter, we want to establish rapport and build a relationship that will allow intimate and sometimes difficult conversations and will help our patient trust us enough to share their concerns … Continue reading

Posted in effective communication in healthcare, physician coach, physician coaching, physician communication | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Physician Burnout – Real and Getting Worse. The time to make changes is NOW

Is this familiar? That feeling of emotional exhaustion at the end of a day of seeing patients. Viewing patients as problems to deal with rather than individual human beings who come to us for help. Leaving the office after a … Continue reading

Posted in physician burnout, physician coach, physician coaching | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Self-compassion: a physician coach’s recipe for a long and fulfilling career

I once worked with a beloved physician whose skills were excellent.  Unfortunately, a patient initiated a malpractice lawsuit. Hurt by the experience, the doctor never returned to practice. Another physician was unable to face her patient’s post-operative DVT. She avoided contact, refused to speak … Continue reading

Posted in physician coach, physician coaching, physician communication | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Take a moment to give thanks – a physician coach’s RX for a happy Thanksgiving

I love Thanksgiving!  As a child, it was my favorite holiday, as our family came together and the house was filled with the smell of my mother’s delicious cooking.  Our cousins would arrive and we would play until dinner was ready. As … Continue reading

Posted in mindfulness, physician burnout, physician coach, physician coaching | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Happy Halloween! A physician coach looks at those dark, hidden places in herself

Americans love Halloween, don’t you think?  In fact, as our culture is increasingly polarized and each side seeks to be “purely” what they want to represent, the Halloween frenzy seems to increase.  Halloween is a time to pretend we are someone … Continue reading

Posted in Doctor Coach, physician burnout, physician coach, physician coaching, physician fulfillment, wholeness | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

The things we fail to say – a few simple questions help to fill in the gaps

It’s been several months since I’ve blogged regularly. Fortunately, I’ve learned to appreciate that we all have seasons in our lives and a limit to how much we can/should push ourselves.  I’m better at prioritizing and forgiving myself when I … Continue reading

Posted in physician coach, physician coaching, physician communication | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Inner Game: what the Pope and her shadow taught a physician coach about being judgmental

Traveling to a conference, I struck up a conversation with the man next to me, who shared that at 47 years old, he had never married. He recalled Bill Maher’s remark that if a man hasn’t been married by his … Continue reading

Posted in Doctor Coach, mindfulness, physician coach, physician coaching, physician fulfillment | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments