The Power of Humor with Dr. Mark Metersky

Mark Metersky MD is a Professor of Medicine, the Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, and the Director of Center for Bronchiectasis Care at UConn Health. He is also the associate Chief of Service in the Department of Medicine at the University of Connecticut. Dr. Metersky earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Internal Medicine from Boston City Hospital. He then pursued a Fellowship in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine from the University of California San Diego Medical Center. Dr. Metersky has published extensively throughout his career and has received many awards and honors including being named in ‘America’s Top Doctors’ and included in ‘Guide to Top Doctors’. How do you feel when someone makes you laugh? What if you’re in a stressful situation, like seeing a doctor? Medicine is serious and patients are often uncomfortable and are suffering. If your doctor cracks a funny joke, you are more likely to feel relaxed and open to communicating, which can only improve the doctor/patient encounter. This is the power of humor. Today, Dr. Mark Metersky shares his stories on how humor can make a difference in our practice of medicine. Pearls of Wisdom: 1. If you don’t already have a specific track, you need to find what fulfills you. Say ‘yes’ to all opportunities and explore everything. Once you’ve figured out where you find fulfillment, then start saying ‘no’ to manage your time. 2. Respect your time and your mentor’s time. If your mentor is willing to invest time and energy, you should show interest by working hard and fulfilling your commitment and show that you’re striving for excellence. 3. With your patients, take advantage of humor and make them laugh! This could make their day and help build a stronger relationship with them.