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Laura Vater, MD
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Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Ten Things Thriving Doctors Do
Many physicians are still thriving in an era of burnout and exhaustion in medicine. What are they doing differently? I've polled my...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Preparing for Fellowship Applications
If you’re applying for a fellowship this year or in the next few years, this guide is for you. This can be a stressful time, and here are...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Your First Year of Clinical Practice
Congratulations on finishing your training and stepping into your first clinical role! You are about to enter into the absolute best...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Facing Exhaustion & Burnout? Read this
There may be times in your training when your exhaustion or burnout exceeds your ability to continue. This happened to me while on home...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
We Honor the Patients We've Lost by Living Well
As a gastrointestinal oncologist who cares for patients with some of the most aggressive cancers, grief is something I often face. I have...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Intern Year Survival Guide
After graduating from med school, I was worried that I wasn't ready to start intern year. You might feel the same way right now. Trust...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Papaya (published in the Intima)
Published in the Intimal Journal of Narrative Medicine Fall 2021 A white rose was taped to the door, and I pushed the metal handle to...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Words for when You Feel Like Quitting
If you're facing an obstacle, or a deep discouragment, or failure, know that we've all been there. Here are some words that have helped...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Policy for Pregnant Residents to Protect Sleep & Fetal Health
In the spring of 2020, my former internal medicine program at the Indiana University School of Medicine drafted and instituted a new...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Transitioning to Residency Supervisory Roles
Going from being an intern to supervising interns (the next month) is quite a leap. I remember feeling overwhelmed at this juncture....


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
What Happens if There's a Medical Mistake? Next steps, Healing, and Self-Compassion
What happens when you make a medical mistake? This guide is about what to do next, how to prevent further errors, and how to heal. Dr....


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Overcoming Performance Anxiety: Tests, Presentations, & Procedures
It's normal to feel nervous before exams, presentations, and learning to do procedures on clinical rotations. Here are a few tangible...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Tips for Night Shifts & On Call
Whether you’re in training or practice, working overnight is incredibly challenging. The weight of responsibility for keeping patients...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Having a Child in Medical School or Residency Training
I once asked a mentor before medical school, "When is the best time to have children as a woman in medicine?" Her answer was this: "There...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
The Before and After (Published in JGIM)
Published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, June 2020 We sit at grouped desks, eyes on blinking green pagers then back to...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
5 Changes I've Made to Support My Mental Health
Here are some things I've changed to protect my well-being: 1. Talking about it – in therapy and personal relationships For too long, I...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Starting Fellowship? Some Advice for the Journey
Of all the transitions in medicine (starting med school, then med school to residency, supervising roles), I still feel that the...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Some Words for Moments of Rejection
If you’re in a season of rejection, know that this won’t last forever. Whether it's rejection from schools, programs, or jobs you've...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
Protecting your Health, Relationships, & Life Beyond Your Career
A new attending reached out: “I’m struggling to balance my interest in medicine with time for my family, other interests outside of my...


Laura B. Vater, MD, MPH
In The Valley (published in JGIM)
Published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, April 2021 “Mommy, will you sing the valley song?” my three-year-old daughter...
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