15 Comments
User's avatar
dj l's avatar

walking away - your personal example & the Dr's, different than mine. I 'walked away' from continuing on w/ a profession in order to be home w/ my kids full time. That wasn't a difficult choice for me at all. Then years later I chose to get off the roller-coaster & file for divorce. In my experiences, whenever a decision is made, it's just about impossible to un-do that decision - can't wait for the next stage.

Expand full comment
Darrell's avatar

“Next, he became convinced that the U.S. health care system is set up to maximize profit, not patient health.“

Drop the mike…

Expand full comment
Dave Boller's avatar

Once it's understood that 'time' is the only true & universal currency & how it's spent determines the level of one's contentment, choices & options become more abundant & real, raising the probability of a more rewarding life & absence if regret.

Boldness & a predisposition to action are prerequisites ...

Expand full comment
Margie Klein's avatar

His story is very similar to a physician who was the 10th critical care board certified, top of his field in critical care anesthesia and became unsatisfied with the effects on his life and his inability to really change the trajectory of his patient’s health and lives. He left traditional medicine with the germ of an idea to get America healthy. He went on to develop a habits of health coaching system and partnered with Medifast in the early 2000s and now as cofounder of Optavia has impacted over 3 million lives. Medicine and the health care system has its place but we need to move the needle more towards proactive health care than reactive.

Expand full comment
Lisa Maniaci's avatar

I know a woman who quit pediatrics after her residency. She said the same thing, the US healthcare industry was set up for maximum profit, on the backs of those who needed doctors the most.

On a lighter, slightly different note, I have been practicing Yoga for about 12-13 years now. About 10 years ago I was also practicing hot Yoga. One day, about 2 years into my practice, I was driving the 30 minutes to the studio and, while driving on a relatively deserted highway at 7:30am, I realized I absolutely hate hot Yoga. Hate it with a passion. I turned my car around, took myself to breakfast instead, and never went back. I'm still practicing Yoga, but not the hot stuff. Ugh...

Expand full comment
Darrell's avatar

I love yoga as well. My wife became an instructor 20 years ago so I had the advantage of private lessons in the beginning. We often practice together with her leading.

I’m in total agreement with you, Lisa, regarding hot yoga. Why. My wife says it really isn’t good for your heart. Plus, I easily heat up when doing a serious practice and often have a small towel handy!

Expand full comment
Bruce S.'s avatar

The timing of today's message is perfect for me. I just walked away from a job that I had loved and was making a very comfortable income. There were a number of factors that led to my decision but after long deliberation, I handed in my resignation with no backup plan. That flies in the face of the advice that I always give people, it's easier finding a job when you have a job. Luckily, I'm at a point in my life where I can make this decision without the financial concerns that would have kept me in this position years ago. I am a true believer that you need to take risks in life to see all that it has to offer. I am open to whatever opportunity presents itself. As someone already noted, time is our most precious gift and whatever I do next, it will be something that satisfies my soul and hopefully contribute to the greater good. We all have a calling, we just need to be in search of it.

Thanks for the reminder Bill!

Expand full comment
Crixcyon's avatar

I walked away from the fake healthcare system a while ago and I am not a doctor. As I am in my mid 70's, fairly healthy and not taking any drugs and no vaccines in over 50 years, why start now? The medical system may be decent in a dire emergency, but beyond that??

I applaud Dr. Goobie if he is being true to himself. There is nothing more liberating. If politicians and the media tried being true, they would vanish in an instant.

Expand full comment
dj l's avatar

My general practitioner has her MD & specializes with us “older folks”. Prescribing medication is her very last option. If I ever have to go to another specialist she warns me if that Dr might be quick with the meds routine.

People rarely guess my age - a few years ago I broke my leg doing yard work - the emergency room dr thought I had someone else’s I’d cause of the birthdate

What would the world be like with honest , moral politicians & open unbiased media

Expand full comment
Heidi C's avatar

Good for Dr. Goobie to set an example and point out the difficulties in our medical system. We do not have a “health care system” - we have an “illness care system” that is based on correction, not prevention. Because of this, we have made great strides in the treatment of illnesses, but have seemingly forgotten the lessons to learn from the healthy.

Expand full comment
SPW's avatar

I’ve been putting off commenting because I saw this sort of problem begin when I was working in a private practice back in ‘98-2000. But then I ran across this just a minute ago while taking an email break.

https://youtube.com/shorts/FbKInO-abZs?si=jmxfqhuIeXSsnc_q

Expand full comment
Mónica's avatar

IMHO the key here seems to be that people just need to embrace a slow-lifestyle and re-connect w/ nature. And this is the most complex task ever.

Greetings from Spain.

Expand full comment
dj l's avatar

I’m in the US & definitely embrace a slow lifestyle, nature watching the deer, wild turkeys, skunks, raccoons, etc & capture ringtails on our webcam - plus the healthy benefits of regular exercise & a wonderful social life of playing games with friends every week, playing pool with my husband every day & friends weekly & DANCING!! 😃 I absolutely love my life, friends & God

Expand full comment
dj l's avatar
Aug 6Edited

I add because it’s a big part of wellness imo

I forgot to add a very important part of my life - I take after my parents, they were both active volunteers throughout my childhood so I’ve done the same

I could share so many wonderful stories of the many organizations I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering with. The one I’m with now gives over $300,000 to local kids for school supplies, brand new clothing of their choice & teacher supplies PLUS scholarships & at least 2 of those are full 4 yr tuition/books/room& board & at least another of the same for a 2 yr trade school student. Plus we have grants for police & firemen for emergency care families plus we have grants for aging out of foster care kids. OMG can you tell I love this organization!!!

Expand full comment
Nanci's avatar

I walked away form a career too. Nothing planned, just had to do it. Leaving a toxic environment is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Close one door to open another.

Expand full comment