Lesie Baumann, M.D.

I always wanted to be a doctor, and it took a lot to get here. Lots of school, lots of hard work and lots of studying. Through my experiences, I think I have gained perspective on a number of things. The first is definitely the importance of not stressing. Stress just makes it worse and harder to get the work done.  You can do the same amount of work with less effort and do a better job if you can reduce your anxiety level. Do what you have to do, meet your deadlines and forget about it.

"Give yourself time to relax and you will work more efficiently."

Give yourself some time to relax and you will work more efficiently. I now schedule work time, play time and family time. You need to find something that relaxes you and clears your mind. For me, it’s golf. I really wish I had found golf back in college because it would have allowed me to focus better and be a more efficient studier. I saw a sign in Europe that said you should spend 8 hours a day working, 8 hours a day sleeping and 8 hours a day playing. I think that’s a great rule to live by.

Something else I wish I had known is the importance of truly experiencing life. I have met many people that have told me that they regret not having done this or that. However, I have never met anyone that regretted that they did do something. In other words: people regret what they did not do, more than they regret what they did do. So my theory is: experience life.  Never miss out on an opportunity to meet new people, see new places, try new foods or have new experiences.  Chances are, you will not regret it!