Managing ADHD and Executive Function in Physicians: Insights with Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall
Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!
In this episode, Sarah invites Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall, an expert in adult ADHD and psychiatrist, to discuss executive function challenges faced by physicians, particularly those with ADHD. Dr. Hall shares her professional journey from family medicine to psychiatry, highlighting the importance of psychoeducation and executive function skills development. They explore common struggles such as time management, charting, and the impact of life transitions like menopause and parenthood.
Dr. Hall offers practical advice on enhancing productivity, using tools like time tracking and setting realistic goals. She also emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, kindness, and understanding one's strengths to manage executive function effectively.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into managing ADHD and improving executive function skills in the demanding field of medicine.
Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:
- ADHD in High-Achieving Physicians is Realâand Often Missed: Intelligence, creativity, and strong relationships help many physicians compensate for ADHD symptoms through medical school. Diagnosis often comes later when scaffolding disappearsâstarting practice, having children, menopause, or taking on leadership roles. The myth that "you can't have ADHD if you're a doctor" keeps many from getting help.
- Executive Function Skills Matter for Everyone, Not Just ADHD: Supporting your executive functionâthrough proper sleep, regular meals, movement, and brief breathing breaksâbenefits all physicians. These aren't just "ADHD strategies"; they're fundamental tools for managing cognitive fatigue and the overwhelming administrative burden of modern medicine.
- Start Small: Track, Reflect, and Be Kind to Yourself Instead of trying to fix everything at once, try tracking your time for just one hour or one morning. Then reflect: What were your expectations? Were they realistic? This awareness helps you adjust without shame. Multiply your time estimates by three, control your environment (headphones, closed doors, no wifi), and rememberâyou're not going to do groceries in a 20-minute break.
Meet Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall:
Elisabeth Baerg Hall MD, CCFP, FRCPC As a respected speaker, educator, and therapist specializing in adult ADHD, Dr. Baerg Hall is known for her leadership in building capacity to care for and improve services for adults with ADHD. She is passionate about advancing physician wellness, particularly in supporting medical professionals who have ADHD, through her targeted physician program, Build a Better Core and other Executive Function Workshops. She directs the ADHD Centre for Education and Training. She led development of ADHD Skills Builder, an online modular ADHD psychoeducational program funded by the James Family Foundation.
Sign up link here:
https://ebhallmd.com/executive-function-skills-for-health-care-providers/
Referral Code - CHARTINGCOACH to receive 10% off
Connect with Dr. Elisabeth Baerg Hall:
đ Website: www.ebhallmd.com
đ Website: www.adhdskillsbuilder.com
Instagram: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-elisabeth-baerg-hall-7515a8207/
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