Lessons from the Winter Olympics

Over the past two weeks, I found myself unexpectedly moved by the Winter Olympics — not just by the athleticism, but by the unmistakable power of a team working toward something larger than any one individual. In this reflection, I share what watching those gold-medal moments reminded me about medicine, burnout, and the deep human need for belonging. Because in healthcare, as in sport, we were never meant to do this alone.

Like many of you, I found myself drawn into the Winter Olympics from Milan these past two weeks.

I’m not a die-hard winter sports fan. But as I watched the U.S. figure skating team, and then both U.S. hockey teams, win gold medals, I felt something deeper than entertainment. I had tears in my eyes during the skating team’s encore exhibition. I held my breath during the overtime goal in women’s hockey. And I marveled at the grit of the men’s team as they pulled off their upset victory.

Yes, the Olympics showcase extraordinary individual talent.

But what moved me most was something else.

It was the unmistakable power of a team.

After each victory, the athletes said the same thing in different words:

We could not have done this without each other.

They spoke not about personal glory, but about the goalie who made so many crucial blocks. The teammate who kept morale high. The captain who did the quiet work that made everyone else successful. Each member understood their role. Each contribution mattered.

It reminded me of the best medical teams I’ve been part of — inpatient ward teams, pediatric mobile clinics, global health research collaborations. 

When we recognized and affirmed each other’s unique strengths, something powerful happened. Care improved. Stress softened. We supported one another instead of silently competing or struggling alone.

But too often in healthcare, we default to isolation.

We focus on keeping up. Surviving the day. Clearing the inbox.
If we notice others at all, it’s often when they fall short of our expectations.

Yet the antidote to burnout isn’t just resilience training or better time management.

It’s belonging.
It’s mutual respect.
It’s functioning as a team.

When we intentionally get to know the people we work alongside — their strengths, pressures, gifts, and blind spots — we begin to operate less like individual athletes and more like a true team.

So, what does that look like in practice?

Here are a few small but powerful ways to strengthen your clinical team:

1. Create structured time together

Annual or bi-annual facilitated retreats allow teams to step out of operational mode and into authentic connection. This is where trust is built.

2. Humanize one another

Social gatherings outside of work flatten hierarchy and remind us we are colleagues — and people — first.

3. Walk in each other’s shoes

Shadowing another team member for even part of a day builds empathy quickly. It changes how we interpret behavior.

4. Practice micro-moments of collaboration

Small daily questions can shift culture:

• “I appreciate your perspective — what are you noticing that I might be missing?”

• “This doesn’t seem to be working well. How might we approach it differently?”

• “You move through your day efficiently — any tips for me?”

• “I have a little extra time. How can I support you?”

None of these require Olympic-level talent.

They require intention.

The Olympians provided inspiration. But their deeper lesson isn’t about medals.

It’s about what becomes possible when talented individuals commit to something larger than themselves.

And in healthcare — perhaps now more than ever — we need that kind of team.

Reflective Question:
Where in your work are you functioning as a solo performer when you could be strengthening the team around you?

With Compassion,

Dr. Joe

Pediatrician, Physician Professional Development Coach, Retreat Facilitator

If your clinical team needs help in creating a culture of belonging and connection or if you are facing uncertainty, burnout, or simply seeking direction in your career, know that support is available. I invite you to reach out. Together, we can explore how to transform challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Just contact me at joe@joeshermanmd.com or schedule a free video consultation.