Happy 4th of July!

Happy Independence Day!

I have waited to publish a follow-up on my last post about physician suicide and the culture of medicine for two reasons. One is the enormity of the issue. Lives needlessly lost. A profession driven to death for some, burnout and disengagement for so many others. It deserves to stand alone for a while.

The second reason is that I have spent a lot of time thinking about culture, this holiday and what it means.

Work hard, hustle, become what you want. Follow the American Dream.

That American Dream is the reason I delayed this post until today. Many of us "celebrate" by relaxing, wearing red, white and blue and watching parades and fireworks. How often do we think back on what it means? The culmination of a brutal revolution. The blood and sweat of those who believed in something better.

Do you believe in something better? Something greater?

I do. I believe that medicine can be better. For one and all; patients and providers.

But, I am also not naive enough to believe I can change much alone. However, I can try. I can use what I love - leadership, development and education to help inspire and arm the dreamers like me. Because it is the dedicated dreamers, those who strive for more everyday, that can change the world. Who can, and will, lead a revolution.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

- Margaret Mead

So, today, I celebrate a revolution. Flags and fireworks that inspire me and remind me of what is possible.