Holding Space for Processing Emotions with Dr. Victoria Montgomery

Victoria Montgomery, MD, is the Associate Program Director and Ambulatory Training Safety and Quality Director for the internal medicine residency program at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Dr. Montgomery completed her medical school from Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, and pursued residency in internal medicine from Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Often, the best care we can give our patients is when we hold space for them. Today, Dr. Victoria Montgomery teaches us why we need to accept—and process emotions. Her personal challenges taught her how important it was to process her emotions. It also taught her how powerful it can be when someone simply asks you how you’re doing. Dr. Montgomery teaches us why silence is our partner: For each of our patients, we must learn how to ask how they are feeling…and wait for them to open up. Dr. Montgomery also reminds us to trust ourselves, to be kind and compassionate toward our own journey, and to remember our value that we add to our teams. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Silence is our partner. When we’re with patients, we must hold space for them to process emotions, reveal their true feelings, and tell us what’s bothering them. It will help us connect more deeply with them, and it will better inform their care. 2. Mentors help us realize who we want to be—often before we know it ourselves. 3. Trust yourself. We have the knowledge and skills to contribute to the team. So see yourself as human: Be patient and kind with yourself. 4. Thinking that there is always someone smarter in the room is just perspective. People will always have unique talents and skills to bring to the table, but it doesn’t mean that they are any smarter than you are.