Facing Uncertainty
“When you become comfortable with uncertainty, infinite possibilities open up in your life.” — Eckhart Tolle
When I finished residency and started my first job as a practicing pediatrician, I thought I had it all figured out. I had trained in one of the most rigorous programs in the country and had earned a reputation as one of the most skilled residents in my class. I was confident I could handle any critically ill child or premature newborn thrown my way.
But that confidence was shaken almost immediately.
My new patients weren’t NICU preemies or septic infants. They were mostly healthy babies — with anxious, overwhelmed parents. I remember one mom in tears, convinced she was failing because breastfeeding wasn’t going as planned. I sat there, unsure of what to say.
In that moment, all the certainty I had built up during my training felt like it vanished. I realized I was starting over — again. And I had to learn how to live with uncertainty.
The same thing happened when I became a father. After over a decade as an academic pediatrician counseling countless parents, I believed I knew everything there was to know about raising children.
Then I held my own newborn for the first time. Suddenly, I wasn’t the expert anymore. I wasn’t certain of anything.
Today, as physicians, we’re collectively facing some of the most uncertain times in modern medicine. Political forces are reshaping healthcare in unpredictable ways. The business side of medicine is accelerating beyond comprehension. Technology has upended the traditional patient-doctor relationship, bringing instant information to our patients — and instant access to us.
Even the sacred act of caring — once grounded in deep, trusting relationships — feels threatened. Burnout, confusion, and feelings of inadequacy have replaced our sense of purpose.
So, what now?
For some, the answer is to step away from medicine entirely, and I respect that. But for many of us, the path forward is not about escaping uncertainty — it’s about learning to live with it.
Dr. Danielle Ofri, in a recent JAMA essay, calls for a reimagining of the physician’s role: not as all-knowing experts, but as “curious, collaborative clinicians” who embrace uncertainty as a vital part of the healing process. She reminds us that uncertainty is not a failure — it’s a natural, even essential, part of medical practice, and must be explicitly acknowledged and taught to sustain our well-being and our connection to patients (Ofri, 2024).
Here’s what I’ve learned:
Uncertainty is uncomfortable — and that’s okay. You’ll feel anxious, disoriented, even humbled. Be patient with yourself. Practice self-compassion.
Uncertainty opens doors. When we let go of how things are “supposed to be,” we become more open to growth, creativity, and possibility.
You don’t need all the answers. Your patients are navigating uncertainty too. They’ll often appreciate your honesty more than your certainty.
You’re not alone. Vulnerability is a gateway to connection. Seeking help — and offering it — builds community.
Eventually, I learned how to support those struggling new moms. But only after admitting I didn’t know enough and seeking out further training. I also learned to trust my wife — who knew more about raising our children than I ever would. I made mistakes. I asked for help. And I grew — as a pediatrician, as a father, and as a human being.
So I’ll leave you with these questions:
What uncertainties are you living with right now?
What’s helping you cope?
What might become possible if you leaned into that uncertainty instead of resisting it?
I’d love to hear from you. I know I’ll learn something.
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.
Be kind to yourself.
Dr. Joe
Pediatrician, Physician Professional Development Coach, Retreat Facilitator
Citation: Ofri D. Coping With Uncertainty — Why We Must Reimagine the Physician’s Role. JAMA. 2024;331(22):2171–2172. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2817811