NYC Gazette

Jordan D. Metzl, MD, a sports medicine physician at HSS, emphasizes the importance of regular workouts for physicians to maintain their strength and perform effectively over extended periods.

"I get it, being a doctor is all about the hours," he said. "The time sacrifices get brutal and you have to cut something out, sometimes every day. For a lot of us, that's exercise."

Dr. Metzl argues that maintaining physical fitness can enhance a physician's performance. "The better shape you're in, the better job you'll do as a physician," he said. "You'll feel better when the hours get long. In my own career, I have always been a better doctor when I'm active and in shape."

While knowledge isn't lacking among physicians regarding health and fitness, reality presents challenges in achieving consistency with exercise routines similar to those faced by their patients.

To address this issue, Dr. Metzl recommends total body functional training that mimics real-world movement patterns, focusing on core and lower body strength to endure long working hours. He schedules his workouts during early mornings and weekends for races and fitness classes, advising others to prioritize time management over specific activities.

"Schedule full workouts when you can and steal the rest," he said.

For more details on Dr. Metzl's insights, visit mdedge.com.