I want to share a brief reflection on perspective. A🧵 Many times in my life I have been told that I am too bubbly, too verbose, too excitable, too loud... too much. I have been told to speak softer, speak less, not show my enthusiasm, not show my excitement...its unprofessional.
I once attended a talk by the brilliant @LaurieBaedke who said (and I paraphrase here) "There are people who want you to put @SPANX your personality...those are not your people." We all nodded & applauded, but recently I had a moment that opened my eyes to what she really meant.
I was with some colleagues the other day, and we started talking about some of the initiatives I was working on @UICancerCenter @IMPACT4HC @WIMSummit and one of the women said "Do you see how excited she gets talking about this?! This is why we love working together!"
"She's so passionate about what she is working on. It comes through when she speaks."
Her words made me pause and think, how many times had I been told the exact opposite
I share this for a few reasons.

1. Don't let others muzzle who you are and what you are passionate about.
2. Take constructive criticism and use it to propel yourself forward, but don't let others opinions change who you are. Modifications are necessary moving through life, and leading. But don't let 1 persons opinion of what a leader looks like/how they're supposed to act define you
3. I have doubted myself more times then I can count. And I worry even now that I may come across as "too..." too excited, too young, too loud, too bossy, too much. It's ok to think about ways you can improve, but don't let anyone dim your passion.
Too many times women are told they are too...something and it is used as an excuse to pass them over for promotions, leadership opportunities, a path to advancement. Believe me when I tell you, you are not too anything. Different people will see you differently.
But don't let others discount you because they think you are "too" anything. There may be certain situations where you need to modify your approach, modify your language or your message based on who you are speaking with, but don't let that dim your light or your passion.
You are enough. Your energy and passion and drive and ambition to succeed will help move you forward. Exceptional leaders will read the room and temper their responses according to the audience at hand, but they do not lose who they are bc other people think they are too much.
Putting this out there for all of you #WomenInMedicine who didn't apply for the position, or put yourself out there because you were worried you would be seen as pushy, or bossy, or too aggressive. Trust your instincts, trust your gut, be confident in who you are, and go for it.

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More from @ShikhaJainMD

6 Sep
It's been over a week since @TedLasso Episode 6 for which I was asked to be a guest on the amazing #MedLasso podcast with @ETSshow and @TheRealDoctorT. While we covered quite a bit, there was SO much we couldn't get to. Sharing a brief 🧵 here.
explorethespaceshow.com/podcasting/med…
I mentioned at the beginning that I had major #ImplicitBias when we first met @TheKeeleyJones. Since then, she has become one of my FAVORITE characters, for many reasons.
There is so much more to her than what is on the surface. She epitomizes don't judge a book by its cover.
Funny I reacted to her initial entrance in that way as I have often been told I am too bubbly/ enthusiastic to be taken seriously or seen as a professional. Goes to show you how these unconscious stereotypes can influence all of us, even when we have been on the receiving end.
Read 22 tweets
4 Sep
Brief #covid19 reminder thread. I know we are 18+months into this thing. And URIs are back and ppl are getting non-covid19 illnesses. BUT covid is still here and it’s spreading fast.
If you feel any symptoms. Do not go to work, don’t go to that social event, get yourself tested and quarantine until your test comes back negative. If you are unvaccinated and were exposed, quarantine for the amount of time recommended. Why may you ask?
Well if your test comes back positive, think of all people you may have infected.
Your colleague has cancer but you don’t know, and is now at risk for contracting #covid19 even though they got vaccinated.
Read 7 tweets
23 Aug
I did a @fox32news w @SylviaFOX32 on the new @US_FDA approval of Pfizer today. Interview link to follow. I made an analogy that I want to mention here.

People say it’s their personal choice to get vaccinated. Which I understand. I want to make a comparison here. A brief 🧵
In the US, it is legal to drink alcohol if you are over 21. You can drink as much as you want. It is your choice. But you cannot get into a car and drive if you are inebriated. Why is that? Because we are members of a society.
If your car were to hit someone else or damage property, you would be responsible. Also, you would be arrested because it is against the law to drive when intoxicated, even if you never hurt anyone else. Why is that a law when it’s your personal choice to drink alcohol?
Read 15 tweets
19 Aug
A lot of people are asking me how I talk to people about getting vaccinated. I'll share a short thread here. This is by all means not all encompassing so please share your own experiences and tips below!
The first thing I always do is I try to find out the "Why?" My first question is always "Would you mind telling me why you haven't gotten the vaccine yet?" But I always ask in a neutral non accusatory way. You don't want to put the person on the defensive.
Next, listen. This is KEY. Let the person explain why they haven't gotten it yet. This is so so important. People are less likely to listen to what you have to say if you don't listen to what their concerns are.
Read 24 tweets
15 Aug
I haven’t been posting much original content lately bc, tbh, I’ve been a bit burned out. And school is about to start. But I’ve been seeing some wacky posts and theories lately, some from “respected” HCW who, I personally feel, have become more contrarian for personal gain.
1. Regarding whether masks work…I can’t believe we are still having this discussion. Surgeons have used masks for years for infection control. And re:#COVID19 the data is there. For those calling for placebo controlled trials, those would be unethical.

science.sciencemag.org/content/372/65…
2. About kids and masks. Ppl r worried kids development will be stunted. I argue not being able to attend in person school when #covid19 spreads bc kids aren’t masking is a bigger developmental issue. We know #masksWork to keep kids in school.

washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/08…
Read 20 tweets
28 Jan
1/
A conversation with my lovely older AA patient in clinic today

Pt: Doc, I have cancer, I'm >65, how can I get my #COVID19Vaccine

Me: I can help you! We will be send a MyChart msg next week. OR if you want one sooner, @IMPACT4HC created a resource..

impact4hc.com/vaccine-genera…
2/
Pt: Doc , I don't use computers

Me: Ok, I can get you set up for MyChart now and...

Pt: Doc doc doc, you don't understand. I don't have a computer, I don't USE computers. I'm here now, sign me up! I don't TRUST computers, never have! You have a computer there, sign me up!
3/
Me: Ok, let's troubleshoot. Let's see if we can sign you up on one of the links from our resource.

Spend the next 10 minutes surfing through the sites, not being able to find a spot

Pt: Doc, it's ok, I'll come back next week and you can sign me up then!
Read 10 tweets

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