How to Unlock a Growth Mindset in Medicine

First, Dr. Malik defines growth mindset as the belief that you can do something or accomplish something that you don’t know how to do yet. Both doctors agree that adopting this mindset also requires expecting failures along the way, asking for help, and sharing your vulnerabilities with colleagues and trainees. Then, both of them share personal experiences about when developing growth mindsets were difficult for them and how they overcame self-doubt.
Dr. Malik suggests journaling to think about long-term goals and assess personal obstacles. Dr. Smith encourages doctors to set aside time for self care and reflection.

Next, the doctors discuss how to cultivate a growth mindset in situations they might not wholeheartedly enjoy all the time, like seeing patients in the clinic instead of being in the operating room. Dr. Smith shares how meaningful conversations with her patients brought her joy in the clinic and advocated for more time to engage in these conversations. Dr. Malik was able to streamline her charting through a detailed intake form and utilizing dot phrases so she could spend less time charting in the office and at home.

Finally, the doctors discuss ways to encourage their colleagues to adopt a growth mindset as well. Both agree that encouraging colleagues to question their negative attitudes and stopping the propagation of negative attitudes and stories is helpful to building a more positive workplace environment.