In my journey as a physician, a pivotal piece of advice from a fellow mom in medicine echoed in my ears: "Try to get to as many of your kids’ events as you can—you won’t regret it. Take photos and videos in case you can’t absorb it fully in the moment. They’ll be glad you were there, and you will appreciate making it there and the videos/photos forever."

Last year, I made the decision to shift from part-time to an even more balanced part-time schedule. Though I remain committed to my role as an ophthalmologist, this adjustment has brought a newfound equilibrium to my work-life dynamic.

Choosing flexibility for my children has proven to be a game-changer for both me and our family. I recognize that, eventually, my kids will grow up, and my focus will naturally shift. Yet, for now, this feels undeniably right.

Going part-time has unexpectedly enriched my experience in medicine. It has allowed me to savor the practice at a more leisurely pace, fostering a deeper connection with my patients while continuing to make a meaningful impact in their lives.

Admittedly, the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Negotiating for a reduced schedule, informing patients of location cutbacks, and grappling with the potential guilt associated with a salary decrease or a perceived drop in productivity—all posed hurdles.

Our society tends to equate success in medicine with a higher income and a larger patient load. I want to challenge that notion. You do not need to be constantly striving for more money and more patients to be a better person, physician, mom, or wife.

For those contemplating or currently embracing a part-time schedule, know that you are not alone.

In my personal journey toward achieving a healthier work-life balance, cultivating the right mindset has been transformative. If you're interested in exploring how a positive mindset can shape your professional and personal life, I invite you to check out my Mastering Your Mindset Course.

Here's to embracing part-time not as a compromise, but as a conscious choice for a more fulfilling and balanced life.