How to Deal with Conflicts with Dr. Christine Herb

Christine M. Herb, MD, is the Associate Program Director of Internal Medicine Residency and the Geriatrics Track Director at Allegheny Health Network. Dr. Herb completed medical school at Temple University School of Medicine and completed her residency training at the West Penn Hospital, where she also served as a Chief Resident. Dr. Herb completed her fellowship in geriatric medicine at the UPMC Presbyterian Program. Prior to being appointed as an Associate Program Director, she served as core faculty and the subspecialty education coordinator for geriatrics. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes.” This is something you’ve probably heard since kindergarten—but it still applies today, especially in medicine. Today, with Dr. Christine M. Herb, we’ll learn how to put our defenses down and deal with conflict with an open mind. She explains how taking a step back can help de-escalate conflicts and tensions that may arise with colleagues or with patients. It’s the key to slowing down, and revisiting a situation with a new perspective. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. Find a mentor you can be vulnerable with. Being comfortable enough to be vulnerable about your weaknesses will be the best way to enable your mentor to help you most effectively. 2. In times of conflict, step back. Don’t react to everything, and learn how to put your defenses down. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. 3. Don’t look at your patient with a narrow mind of just treating his disease—you must explore all aspects of life of your patients. 4. Find something outside of medicine to fuel your energy everyday.