Introverts in Healthcare: Superpowers, Kryptonite, and Protecting Your Energy

Protect Your Energy:

Start With 3 Simple Steps

Introverts are well-suited to be caregivers. Physicians, mid-level practitioners, nurses, physical therapists - you name it, introverts have what it takes. Unfortunately, the healthcare system is becoming less hospitable to introverts.

Like Superman, introverts’ power can be diminished by the kryptonite-like effect of functioning in an increasingly burdensome healthcare system.

If you’re an introvert, here’s why medicine is and isn’t the ideal career for you. 

The good news first…..

How Introverts Shine in Healthcare

I’m sure you’ve had the experience of being completely content to just sit back, listen, and observe. Introverts don’t feel the need to be talking all the time. They don’t think things out by talking. 

This means when a patient comes to you, you really listen. Your patients notice this. Feeling heard is becoming increasingly rare for many patients these days. 

Your ability to feel emotions deeply allows you to connect with your patients, often without a word being spoken. You instinctively put yourself in your patients’ shoes and thoughtfully consider their experience. 

Because of this, your patients can trust you have their best interest at heart.  

You also have keen powers of observation. You notice what others don’t. You dig a little deeper when others might move on. 

You see patterns where others see a jumble of facts. This serves you well as a clinician. 

Your attention to detail is directed toward improving patient outcomes. Because you have a tendency to think through all the ‘what ifs’, you can feel confident that your decisions are well-thought out. 

Introverts tend to be intense thinkers. You’d probably agree your mind is “on” most of the time. Your curiosity and focus is remarkable. When you’re passionate about something, you go deep.

Ferreting out the answers to complex questions is fun for you. This is invaluable in healthcare as your patients face complex chronic diseases. 

Because introverts have an independent streak, you’re self-motivated and resourceful. You don’t need hand-holding to get things done.

How Healthcare Challenges Introverts

The most singular attribute introverts have in common is their need to recharge in solitude. No matter how much you may enjoy your patients, social interactions drain your energy to some extent. 

Most medical specialties require interacting with large numbers of people on a regular basis with little protected solo time. If you’re not monitoring your energy, this can leave you feeling distracted and scattered. 

Along with alone time, most introverts appreciate having time to think. 

Because you're intentional and thoughtful, it takes time to process all the information you’ve absorbed and assimilate it into a well thought-out plan. 

The pace of medicine is becoming increasingly brisk. This leaves you with less time to consider complex medical decisions. 

You might find yourself always wondering if you’ve missed something and spending precious time rechecking tasks because you’re afraid of making a mistake. 

In addition, that faster pace interferes with your ability to deeply connect with your patients. Your visits start to feel superficial and transactional. 

This leaves you feeling guilty over not showing up in the way you want to for your patients. 

Because introverts are so observant, they can also be negatively impacted by their environment. Busy clinics, hospital wards, and emergency rooms are a carnival of sounds, sights, and smells. 

These can all create distractions to you, drain your energy, and affect your focus. Even the temperature of your work setting can affect your energy.

How to Start Protecting Your Energy as an Introvert

Your patients and colleagues benefit when you’re at your best. More importantly, your experience at work is improved when you understand your needs. 

It’s essential to know how to resource yourself. Be proactive 

The first step in protecting your energy is knowing what drains and replenishes it. Here’s where your introvert superpower of observation comes in handy. 

Take a couple of days to really tune into what builds your stamina and what wipes it out.  

Next, plan ahead. 

Look at your schedule and see where you can create a buffer around those tasks that drain your energy the most. 

Find ways to insert small pockets of ‘feel good’ into your day.   

Start small. Think about how you can find a bit of solitude or engage in an energizing activity before, during, or after those parts of your job that are more taxing. 

Get creative. Make it a game. Only you can know what most builds your energy. 

Finally, advocate for yourself. 

This doesn’t have to be pushy or outspoken, if that’s not your thing. And likely, it’s not. 

Consider simple ways you can ask others to support you. For example, ask others to jot down requests on a sticky note or send an electronic message rather than interrupting you in the middle of another task. 

It doesn’t require a lot of effort on their part and gives you more time to thoughtfully address the request. 

Like Superman, the more creatively and thoroughly you can reduce your exposure to kryptonite, the less it can take away your power. 

That’s a win-win for you and your patients.