Yes, I said it. Health care is a dumpster fire—a meme-worthy catastrophe of epic proportions. It’s the chaos that future comedians and historians will roast with gusto, leaving us shaking our heads in embarrassed agreement. My somewhat cynical sense of humor is helping me mentally process the dumpster fire that is the current U.S. health care system. But as bleak as it feels, there’s a glimmer of hope. When health care finally collapses—and some might say it already has—it presents an opportunity for rebirth.

As co-founder of Partners In Health, Dr. Paul Farmer once said, “The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.” This quote speaks to the heart of the health care system’s failures—the inequities and inefficiencies that have plagued it for far too long. When the system breaks down, it’s not just an opportunity for reform; it’s a chance to rethink how we value and care for people. The cracks in the system may be painful, but they also open the door for a more compassionate and sustainable approach.

Heck, just look at these recent article headlines—each one screaming SOS!:

• “The coming collapse of the U.S. health care system” —Time
• “U.S. primary care is on verge of collapse, says doctors’ body” —PubMed Central
• “View of U.S. health care quality declines to 24-year low” —Gallup News

In the meantime, we must survive the storm with our sanity intact. We, the brave, the strong, perhaps a little delusional, chose this noble career, swearing to protect and do no harm.

Here are bold, slightly irreverent strategies to weather the chaos and maybe even come out stronger on the other side:

1. Build an alter ego. Channel your inner Beyoncé and create a persona that thrives outside of medicine. It’s time to unleash your creative side. Maybe you’re a poet, a potter, or the world’s next great salsa dancer. Having a life outside your scrubs isn’t just refreshing—it’s necessary. Yes, your mind will be in the trenches of medicine full-time, but for part of your day, you need to reimagine a better life and work towards it. We must work towards—and speak life to—even the most dismal situations.

2. Stop giving a damn about opinions. Let’s face it: most of the loudest complainers aren’t doing anything to fix the mess. So why waste your energy caring about their opinions? Tune out the noise and focus on what matters to you. Provide the best possible patient care with your resources, and document it.

Consider writing notes like, “The standard of care is X, Y, Z, but due to denied insurance claims and the patient’s inability to pay, the patient was given…” I can already see HR or the hospital legal team pondering these kinds of notes.

3. Prioritize your relationships. Start with yourself. You are the most important person to you. That’s not self-centered—it’s just being real. Work on dealing with past traumas, limiting beliefs, or negative self-talk. Learn to enjoy your own company.

Once you’ve built a healthier relationship with yourself, it’ll be easier to strengthen connections with your significant other, friends, and, yes, even your work. I talk more about this in my TEDx talk on burnout, but here’s the gist: good relationships are your anchor when life gets messy.

4. Get healthy and break a sweat. Don’t just order tests for your patients—book some for yourself. Prevention isn’t just for them; it’s for you too. News flash: you’re human and a patient, too! If you’re on medications for something reversible, tackle that with vigor. Your health is your wealth, so treat it like gold.

With so many physicians and health care providers abandoning ship, the less you rely on external health care support in the future, the better. Take care of your physical health—and get into the best shape of your life (and no, round doesn’t count)!

5. Diversify your income. A side gig isn’t just a cute hobby; it’s a lifeboat in uncertain times. I’m no financial planner, but I know a lot about making boatloads of money and wondering where it all went. (Seriously, where does it go?!)

Diversifying your income is one of the smartest moves you can make. But don’t fall for “get rich quick” schemes or sleazy, high-pressure marketing. Build something sustainable that aligns with your interests and skills.

6. Find a mentor or coach You’re not too seasoned to learn from someone a few steps ahead. Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or wise sage, having someone to guide you is invaluable. Bonus: they’ve probably already made (and recovered from) mistakes you can avoid.

Coaching can also help you clarify your goals and chart a new course. A great coach doesn’t just give answers—they help you discover your own.

7. Smile, damn it! Never underestimate the power of a good smile. It’s my secret weapon. Smiling can lower stress, disarm negativity, and even annoy miserable people—what’s not to love? Plus, it’s contagious. Your patients, colleagues, and even you will benefit from its ripple effects.

Research shows that smiling activates endorphins and serotonin, boosting your mood even when you’re faking it. So, go ahead—flash those pearly whites and see what happens.

8. Hone your leadership skills. Now, more than ever, we need physician leaders to step forward and take charge of this sinking ship. Leadership isn’t about titles or rank—it’s about having the influence, vision, and guts to make tough decisions.

Whether standing up for your patients, backing your colleagues, or advocating for change in the system, developing strong leadership skills will help you be the voice of reason in the madness. Physicians have a unique perspective and can drive real, impactful change. Embrace that responsibility confidently—the health care world is crying out for your leadership.

(Bonus: Leadership skills are transferable—whether you’re rallying a team, launching a side gig, or making moves outside of medicine.)

The bottom line?

Health care may be spiraling, but your life doesn’t have to follow suit. Take control, get creative, and find humor in the absurdity. This storm will pass, and you’ll be ready for the rebirth. In the meantime, get comfortable and grab your popcorn because we’re in for a ride!

Tomi Mitchell is a board-certified family physician and certified health and wellness coach with extensive experience in clinical practice and holistic well-being. She is also an acclaimed international keynote speaker and a passionate advocate for mental health and physician well-being. She leverages over a decade of private practice experience to drive meaningful change.

Dr. Mitchell is the founder of Holistic Wellness Strategies, where she empowers individuals through comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to well-being. Her career is dedicated to transforming lives by addressing personal challenges and enhancing relationships with practical, holistic strategies.

Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, and book a discovery call to explore how she can support your wellness journey. For those interested in purchasing her book, please click here for the payment link. Check out her YouTube channel for more insights and valuable content on mental health and well-being.