Physician Productivity Strategies that Keep You On Time, Part 2 | Ep481

Succeed in Medicine

In this episode, host Dr. Bradley Block picks up with Dr. Cheryl Chase for part 2 on enhancing executive functioning for physicians and high-performers. They explore self-monitoring tools like tone tapes (or music playlists with varying intervals), buzzing devices, timers, and apps such as Brick for blocking distractions. Dr. Chase discusses visual timers for better time perception, productivity apps like ToDoist, Trello, and Notion, and prioritization using the Eisenhower matrix to sort tasks by urgency and importance. She emphasizes delegating to free up time and replenishing the "EF bucket" with mindfulness practices (e.g., box breathing), exercise, sipping glucose-rich beverages, sleep, and nurturing relationships. Drawing from Dr. Russ Barkley's insights, these strategies help anyone—not just those with ADHD—optimize focus, persist through tasks, and maintain work-life balance. This episode wraps up the series with essential tips for thriving in demanding roles.

Three Actionable Takeaways:

1. Enhance Self-Monitoring with Tools – Use tone tapes (or playlists with varying song lengths), buzzing watches, or timers to check in on your focus at random intervals; for distractions, try apps like Brick to physically lock social media until you complete tasks.
2. Prioritize and Delegate Effectively – Apply the Eisenhower matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance, focusing on high-impact items first; delegate non-essential duties after investing time to teach others, freeing up your schedule for what matters most.
3. Replenish Your EF Bucket – Before EF-heavy tasks, practice box breathing (inhale/hold/exhale/hold for 4 counts each) or mindful minutes; incorporate exercise (20-30 minutes, 2-3 times/week), sip glucose-rich beverages while working, prioritize sleep, diet, and social connections to boost cognitive fuel.

About the Show:

Succeed In Medicine covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!

About the Guest

Dr. Cheryl Chase is a licensed clinical psychologist in Independence, Ohio, specializing in assessments and treatments for ADHD, learning disorders, and emotional challenges across the lifespan. She's an international speaker on executive functioning, dyslexia, co-regulation, and performance improvement in work and school settings. Her strategies help high-achievers, including physicians, enhance efficiency and balance.

Website: https://chasingyourpotential.com

About the host:

Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Succeed In Medicine podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians

Want to be a guest?

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This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!

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Disclaimer:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.