When Healers Need Healing

My Journey Through Pet Loss and Grief 

Not long ago, I said goodbye to my beloved dog, Stanzi. Everyone told me it woud be hard. I underestimated how hard.

As a pediatric cardiologist- I have a lot of experience helping others navigate grief and loss. Given that experience, I thought I would somehow be prepared; that I would be immune to sadness or better at grieving. I am not. 

When the time came, grief hit me like tsunami. The sadness was deep and real—far deeper than I had anticipated. Despite all my training, despite all the comforting words I’ve offered to grieving patients, I was simply, and heartbreakingly, a person who lost a cherished friend.

It turns out, physicians have feelings

Over the years, physicians develop a certain “armor” to protect ourselves. We rely on to it to navigate the days we don't talk about with our families. But personal grief has a way of slipping through even the best professional shields. I share this story with you because it’s taught me so much about the vulnerabilities we all carry beneath the weight of our responsibilities. I share those lessons in this week's blog post.

 Read The Blog Here

The best way to heal a broken heart, is to use it more, not less.

Ben Reinking

Coach's Corner

Grief is not the price of loss, but the echo of love – a testament to the joy that once filled spaces now empty.

With that in mind, your assignment this week is simple. 

Reach out to someone you love.

1. Call your mom
2. Send a text to your sibling
3. Meet a friend for a cup of coffee
4. Tell your partner you love them
5. Take your dog for a walk (and give them an extra treat)

Do one thing on this list today.

Thanks for reading- and for showing up for your patients, your family, your friends - even on days when it is hard.

Warmly,

Ben

P.S.: Life is too short to be miserable. If you are looking for more in your life and career- here's how I can help:

• Book a FREE COACHING CONSULT.  No pressure or obligation- 45 minutes of my time to discover how to get the most out of your career.
• Check out my course "Mastery and Wellness: How to Thrive as a Physician." You will walk away with at least 8 hourse of catergory 2 CME and learn skills we were not taught in medical school. Enter the code: STANZI at check out for 25% off. (good through 2/14/25)