Anchoring Ourselves to Joy in Medicine with Dr. Richard Chung

Richard J. Chung, MD, is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at the Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Chung earned his medical degree from Yale University and completed his medicine-pediatrics residency from Duke University School of Medicine. He then obtained a fellowship in adolescent and young adult medicine from Boston Children’s Hospital. Dr. Chung has had an illustrious career as a clinician as well as a researcher. He has led a number of research studies and has been the recipient of several grants and awards. Every day is important, says Dr. Richard Chung. Even the average ones. Today, he teaches us the importance of finding the joy and intrinsic value of what we do as physicians. His guiding light has always stemmed from realizing what is most important to him—and letting the rest fall away. He teaches us about what makes the best mentee: It’s not just knowing answers to all the questions, it’s about having the intellectual curiosity to ask why things are the way they are. When we learn how to ask the right questions, we are activating in-depth understanding—and expediting our own learning. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. It is important to choose a career path that brings the most joy at the end of the day. 2. Take a holistic approach when choosing a mentor. See what they do privately as well as publicly. 3. Keep in the mind the value of each day and treat it as though it is special. Doing so will guard us against physical burnout and stress.