*UPDATE – We are no longer offering virtual visits, as they are no longer covered by insurance*

The healthcare industry appears to be at a crossroads, as more and more physicians are getting out of healthcare, and there simply aren’t enough new doctors to replace those bright minds. This leaves us with a physician shortage, and it’s a crisis that is unlikely to solve itself without prompt bipartisan action.

Challenges Facing Physicians In 2023

There are a number of challenges that physician are facing as 2023 draws to a close, and the largest continues to be the ongoing threat and the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic stretched hospital resources incredibly thin, forcing many physicians and healthcare workers to put in more hours on the frontlines. They saved countless lives, but many also died as a result of their exposure to COVID-19. Even when people recovered, symptoms of long COVID can persist, presenting more challenges to physicians and the general public.

As the demand on the healthcare industry grew due to the pandemic, physician burnout and stress levels skyrocketed. We’ve talked about physician burnout numerous times on the blog in the past, but the stress of the job can be too much for even some of the strongest men and women. Many decided that other pursuits were needed in order to keep themselves sane, and we don’t blame anyone for prioritizing their mental health at a time like this.

There are also a number of other contributing factors that are leading to a physician shortage. Bureaucratic red tape and patient quotas are making it harder for doctors to give each patient the time and attention they deserve. This leaves both patient and provider frustrated and can push healthcare workers out of the profession. When patients don’t feel heard, they can lash out, as evidenced by recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which found that workplace violence against Minnesota healthcare workers was at an all-time high. Nothing makes you want to leave a profession faster than being attacked by someone you are trying to help.

There are also challenges to entering medicine, as the cost of schooling has skyrocketed, and many brilliant minds choose other pursuits instead of opting for another decade of school and six figures worth of debt.

How We’re Confronting Those Challenges

While we may not face a physician shortage like a larger hospital, we face plenty of challenges brought on by COVID-19 and the general state of healthcare in 2023. Here’s how we’re working to confront these challenges:

1. Availability – Dr. Silverman tries to make himself available to his team whenever possible so that patients and employees can get answers directly from him. We want patients to get information and answers directly from the source so they aren’t frustrated by their care.

2. Virtual Visits – These began out of necessity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we continue to offer virtual visits for patients who live far away or for those with an immediate need. Again, being accessible to patients in times like these is a must.

3. Patient Quotas – One of the many reasons why we moved to private practice is so that we can have more control over our day. We aren’t forced to see a certain number of patients and can ensure that each person gets the time and attention they deserve. Our patients are more important than our bottom line.

4. Work Life Balance – We love what we do, and an appreciative patients makes for such a rewarding experience. We also recognize the importance of a healthy work life balance and finding appropriate ways to manage stress so that we can be the best provider to our patients.

We can’t be everyone’s foot and ankle provider even if we want to be, but these steps make it easier for our team to provide the highest level of care to our current patients. Hopefully we can find similar fixes on a national level to address the physician shortage crisis.

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Healthcare Foot Protection Tips

If you want to keep your feet at a reduced risk for injury, consider these four tips if you work in healthcare.

1. Right Shoe For The Job – Individuals who have been working in the industry for a while know to put function over fashion, but younger healthcare workers may still opt for the stylish pair of shoes over the ones that provide better support. Since you’re going to be on your feet throughout your shift, it is imperative that you invest in a quality pair of shoes that support all areas of your foot. Pack a different pair if you’re going out after your shift, but make sure you’re wearing comfortable work shoes during your shift.

2. Get Off Your Feet When You Can – Even 5-10 minutes off of your feet can go a long way in preventing overstress injuries, so try to find some time to get off your feet during your shift. Whether that’s during your scheduled breaks, or if some tasks can be performed while sitting, try to schedule your day so you’re not on your feet for five hours straight. Find ways to get off your feet during your shift, even if it’s only a couple minutes here and there. Your feet will thank you.

3. Exercise and Strengthen – Caring for your feet on the clock also depends on what you do when you’re not working. Be sure to exercise and strengthen key muscle groups, like your quads, hamstrings and calves. These muscles do a lot of the heavy lifting when we’re on our feet all day, so if we strengthen them when we’re off the clock, they’ll be better prepared to handle the rigors of the work day. Also be sure to stretch these areas prior to and during your shift!

4. Stop Small Problems – Finally, if you notice that you’re developing a foot issue, or you’ve noticed that something just doesn’t feel right with your foot, get a diagnosis from a foot specialist. If you treat small problems while they’re minor, treatment success likelihood remains high. Don’t let that arch pain get worse or that bunion get bigger, if you think something is wrong with your foot, talk to a foot specialist like Dr. Silverman.

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Foot Tips For Healthcare Workers

If you work in healthcare, or any industry where you’re on your feet all day, consider these five tips for reducing your likelihood of suffering a foot or ankle injury.

1. Replace Your Shoes Regularly – You’re going to want a shoe that supports your arch and equally displaces stress across the foot, so invest in a quality pair of shoes. Your shoes are going to get quite the workout, and don’t expect them to have the same shelf life as your every day shoes. Replace your shoes every 6-9 months or when they start to break down. Many healthcare industries offer yearly stipends to pay for new work shoes, or you may be able to write them off on your taxes, so do some research about your shoe buying options.

2. Consider Compression Socks – You may advise some of your patients to wear compression stockings to help improve their circulation, but they also aren’t a bad option for people who are on their feet every day. Compression socks can help keep blood from pooling in your legs and feet due to gravity and hours on your feet. Your scrubs will cover them up, so don’t worry about how they’ll look with your work attire.

3. Stretch and Lift Care – Nurses and other healthcare workers often have to lift and maneuver patients, and that can cause problems if your feet and body aren’t ready for the activity. Stretch your hamstrings and calf muscles throughout the day, and don’t try to perform large lifts by yourself, or you may lose your balance and suffer a fall injury.

4. Pamper Your Feet At Home – When you’re not on the clock, make sure you are pampering your feet. Soak them in a hot bath, put on some moisturizer to prevent against dry skin and cracking, and slip into some comfy slippers. This will help ensure they are ready for the rigors of your work routine.

5. Exercise and Strength Training – When you’re not on the clock, try to find some time to strengthen your foot muscles and improve your balance. Whether you achieve that by going for a run, taking a weekly yoga class or doing some range of motion exercises while you’re on the couch watching TV, your feet will thank your for it. Stronger foot muscles and improved balance can help keep your feet safe on the job.

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