Every physician faces personal challenges that can test their resilience, particularly when those challenges overlap with a demanding career. At Lucens, we believe that navigating these moments effectively is not only possible—it can also shape your growth as a person and a professional.

This week, we asked Omar Shakir, MD to share how he approached a difficult period in his life and the strategies he used to stay on track.

Question:

There are times when personal struggles feel overwhelming—how do you keep showing up for patients and colleagues without letting it take over?
– Asked by P.T., California

Omar:

Everyone goes through personal challenges, and how you navigate them can define you in more ways than one. For me, the most valuable advice I ever received came from a chairman who told me to separate my life into distinct spheres. It’s simple in concept but transformative in practice.

You need to define these spheres for yourself. For me, they include my professional life, my role as a father, my role as a son and brother, and my connection to the world. That last one doesn’t necessarily mean religion—it’s more about how I relate to and find meaning in the world around me.

The critical part of this approach is ensuring that challenges in one sphere don’t overwhelm or disrupt the others. Being a good father during a difficult time shouldn’t come at the expense of being a good surgeon, and vice versa. True growth, I believe, comes from learning to excel in each area of your life without allowing one to derail the others.

This approach also requires leadership—not just in your career, but in your personal life. You have to take charge, whether it’s managing a crisis or simply keeping the wheels turning. During one particularly tough period in my life, I leaned heavily on this mindset. By treating my personal challenges with the same clarity and structure I bring to my professional life, I was able to stay focused and keep moving forward.

The Bottom Line

Life will throw challenges your way, but they don’t have to derail your progress. Omar’s story highlights the power of compartmentalization—defining the distinct areas of your life and excelling in each one without letting them overlap in unhealthy ways. With a leadership mindset and clear boundaries, you can navigate difficulties with strength and purpose.

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