Published: May 6, 2020

Show Notes

The warrior philosophy addresses doubts and fears EM caregivers experience day-to-day as they work on the front lines. In the second episode of the End of Shift podcast, hosts Eric Angus and Joe Haegert discuss the five concepts of warriorship:

1. Observation

2. Acceptance

3. Focus

4. Intention

5. Commitment

They explore how this philosophy can help you mentally prepare for your shift, focusing on competence, confidence, courtesy, calm, and compassion. They also discuss how to close your shift, focusing on mental wellness (including the After Shift Martini Protocol).

They also touch on the profound fears, physical risk, and emotional impact front-line healthcare workers are experiencing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additional reading

• Dan Millman – Way of the Peaceful Warrior, 1980
• Arno Ilgner – The Rock Warrior’s Way, 2003

Additional listening

• EM Cases Ep 134 – Shift Preparation: Pre-gaming, with host Anton Helman and guest Rob Orman.

End of Shift Podcast Hosts

The End of Shift Podcast is hosted by EM Network members Eric Angus and Joe Haegert.

Eric Angus

Eric Angus is an emergency physician and trauma team leader at Lions Gate Hospital. He is married with 15-year-old twins. His nonmedical interests include origami, meditation, mountain biking, skiing, rock climbing, just generally being outside, and drinking wine. He has a diploma in mountain medicine and volunteers for ski patrol and the North Shore Rescue team. He is an ATLS instructor. He dabbles in stoicism and Buddhist philosophies.

Joe Haegert

Joe Haegert practices emergency and trauma medicine at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia. He is a talented teacher, engaging speaker, and devoted clinician. He lives in South Surrey with his wife Sandy and managed to raise three children without much incident. Known for his unflagging enthusiasm, Joe enjoys all aspects of the outdoors and recently has taken to turning wooden burls into all manner of bowls and tables.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the BC Emergency Medicine Network.