E1 The Challenging but Achievable Quest for Accomplishing More while Also Improving Wellness

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D.

Guest: Christopher L. Camp, M.D.

Being a healthcare clinician is an extremely rewarding occupation, but it can be stressful. Every year, we’re asked to do more and more, the patients seem to get more challenging, and we get less time to spend with each one. A significant number of clinicians report emotional and psychological distress, and burnout remains a major problem in healthcare providers. This increased stress and pressure is not just unique to physicians, and these struggles are common for all of us, regardless of career or position. How do we remain in an optimally functioning state? Does our physical health affect our cognitive function? Given the obstacles we face, how do we continue to achieve joy and happiness in our work and our life while continue to meet the every growing demands of the world? These are questions my guest is hoping to answer in a project he’s about to undertake on “Human Optimization”. My guest for this podcast is Dr. Christopher Camp, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic. We’re going to discuss his project and why he decided to tackle this important topic.

 

How to start a Mayo Clinic Human Optimization Project “Pod-Club”:
Step 1: Find 2-30 friends who want to get better
Step 2: Choose your episodes (can be focused on specific themes or random)
Step 3: Listen to/watch the episodes
Step 4: Meet with your group to work through the provided discussion questions for each episode, and feel free to add your own!
Step 5: Celebrate the fact that you are turning passive knowledge into action!

 

Discussion Questions for this Episode:

1. Dr. Camp defines human optimization as "the development of the ability to do more while simultaneously improving your wellness and well-being," emphasizing that "more" is individualized. What does "more" mean for you in your current professional or personal life, and how do you currently balance that with your wellness? As you answer this question, keep in mind that "more" doesn't always just mean higher quantities, volume, or numbers. Often times, "more" is about quality!  How can you ensure what you are doing is "more" aligned with your values, goals, and purpose?  
2. The podcast highlights the high rates of burnout and work-related injuries among healthcare professionals. Do you recognize these trends in your own experience or among your colleagues? What do you think are the biggest drivers of burnout in your life or work?
3. Dr. Camp discusses the interconnectedness of physical and cognitive domains (e.g., sleep, nutrition, wellness, productivity). Think about one area where you're currently struggling. How improving that one domain positively impact others in your life?
4. The concept of "compound interest" is applied to personal growth, suggesting that early efforts might feel slow and unexciting. How does this perspective resonate with your own experiences of trying to make long-term changes? What strategies might help you stay consistent during the "boring" part of the growth curve?
5. The "stress and recovery" cycle is presented as a key to growth, with emphasis on intentional rest. What activities truly help you recover and "fill your cup," and how intentionally do you incorporate them into your routine, especially after periods of high effort?
6. Dr. Camp contrasts "hedonia" (doing what feels good now) with "eudaimonia" (seeking purpose and meaning). How do you typically prioritize these in your life, and where do you see opportunities to find the intersection between what you enjoy and what gives you purpose?
7. The project aims to convert "passive learning" into "active learning." What's one piece of information or insight from this podcast that you could immediately turn into an actionable step or discuss with someone else?
8. Dr. Camp states that the project is for "any human being looking to improve," and that "the worse you are at it, the easier it's going to be for you to improve." How does this description make you feel about starting or continuing your own journey of self-improvement?

 

Learn more about the Human Optimization Project at: https://ce.mayo.edu/optimize
X: @MayoHumanOpProj
Instagram: @MayoHumanOpProj
YouTube: The Human Optimization Project - YouTube

Email: optimize@mayo.edu