March Madness!
Each March, I’m reminded of something many physicians quietly lose over time: connection to what makes us feel alive.
For me, it’s March Madness. But in my coaching work, I see how important it is—especially in medicine—to make space for activities that restore energy, joy, and a sense of self beyond the role we play.
This reflection is an invitation to reconnect with that part of yourself.
Every year, as March approaches, I feel it.
A quiet anticipation. A familiar spark.
March Madness has been part of my life since my days at Duke in the 1970s. (Yes—I know, that may lose me a few readers right away.) But for me, it’s never just been about basketball.
It’s about feeling alive.
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that what I look forward to each March isn’t just the games—it’s the permission it gives me to step outside the demands of my professional life and reconnect with something that brings me energy, emotion, and joy.
And that’s something I see missing for many physicians I work with.
What Have We Given Up Along the Way?
In medicine, we’ve been trained—often conditioned—to set aside parts of ourselves.
Hobbies. Creative outlets. Play.
We tell ourselves there isn’t time.
Or that it would take away from our families.
Or that it’s somehow… indulgent.
So instead, we push through.
We bring work home.
We stay “productive.”
But something subtle happens when we do this long enough:
We don’t just lose the activity—we lose access to parts of ourselves.
The Paradox of Making Space
Here’s what I’ve seen time and again in coaching conversations:
When physicians make even a small amount of space for something that enlivens them—
whether it’s music, movement, competition, creativity, or yes… even managing six tournament brackets—
they don’t become more distracted from their lives.
They become more present in them.
More available to their partners.
More engaged with their children.
More grounded in themselves.
Not because they’ve added more time—
but because they’ve restored energy.
Why It Matters More Than We Think
For me, March Madness brings a full spectrum of emotion—joy, disappointment, envy, excitement, heartbreak, connection.
Those experiences aren’t distractions from life.
They are life.
They help metabolize the stress, frustration, and emotional weight that come with practicing medicine.
And whether Duke is still dancing by the time you read this or not, that renewal is what stays with me.
A Coaching Reflection
What is one activity—past or present—that brings you back to life?
And what would it look like to make just a little space for it again?
If this resonates and you’re finding it difficult to reclaim space for yourself in the midst of a demanding career, I’d be glad to help.
Be Kind to Yourself.
Dr. Joe
Pediatrician, Physician Professional Development Coach, Retreat Facilitator
Whether you are facing uncertainty, burnout, seeking direction, or striving for greater fulfillment in your career, know that support is available. If you or someone you know could benefit from coaching, 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.