In a profession defined by rapid technological advancement, global connectivity, and constantly shifting economic demands from employers (hospital systems or large groups) and insurance companies, the challenge of maintaining a healthy balance between work responsibilities in a podiatric career and personal life has become increasingly important and complex.

As a podiatrist practicing in Pennsylvania for 36 years, I am the Medical Director of Wound Care Services at Fulton County Medical Center. I am also a husband of 36 years, a father of three, and a grandfather in a growing family. It is important to me to be involved in my community, in which I serve on the District Eagle Scout Review Board. I am a Deacon and Cantor at my church. One of my hobbies is gardening, and I am currently enrolled in a program at Penn State University to become a Master Gardener. As Past President of PPMA, I serve our association as a Consultant, and I am the APMA PAC coordinator for Pennsylvania. To be able to wear all of these hats, a work-personal life balance is vital to my success!

The concept of work–life balance refers to the equilibrium in which an individual can fulfill professional obligations while still having the time, energy, and emotional resources to enjoy personal pursuits, nurture relationships, and care for their physical and mental well-being. 

Achieving this balance is not a static accomplishment but an ongoing process requiring mindful planning, adaptability, and self-awareness. As the boundaries between work and home blur, understanding how to manage this balance has become essential for long-term personal fulfillment and sustainable professional success.

One of the first steps toward achieving a healthy work–life balance is acknowledging that it is profoundly personal.

What constitutes balance for one person may feel chaotic or unfulfilling for another. Professionals at different stages of life and career often face unique demands: early-career podiatrists may struggle with long hours and steep learning curves; parents must juggle childcare and household responsibilities; and seasoned workers may find themselves managing both leadership roles and the care of aging parents. Because circumstances vary, the pursuit of balance begins with self-reflection. Individuals must identify their priorities—whether they include career advancement, family time, creative hobbies, health goals, or community engagement—and determine how much time and energy they realistically want to allocate to each. This clarity becomes the foundation for making more intentional decisions about work and personal commitments.

Time management is another central component of work–life balance. 

Modern practices often measure productivity by output rather than hours, yet many doctors still feel pressure to remain constantly available. This can lead to a cycle of overwork that ultimately reduces productivity and increases burnout. Burnout can lead to excessive stress, causing self-medication using addictive behaviors like drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, and even shopping as a coping mechanism.

If you struggle with substance abuse, help can be found confidentially through the Physicians Recovery Network. (717) 558-7819.

Effective time management is one way to avoid unhealthy behaviors. It involves setting boundaries, such as designating work-specific hours, limiting after-hours email responses, and learning to delegate tasks when possible. 

Utilizing helpful tools such as digital calendars, task managers, and time-blocking techniques can help individuals structure their days more efficiently. By organizing tasks based on urgency and importance, workers can prevent less meaningful activities from consuming energy that could otherwise be invested in personal well-being.

Equally important is the ability to disconnect. 

With smartphones, messaging apps, and collaboration platforms available around the clock, many people experience “continuous partial attention,” a persistent state of being mentally tied to work. This reduces the quality of personal time and heightens stress levels. Establishing rituals that reinforce separation between work and home - such as shutting down the computer at a set time, taking a walk after work, or creating a dedicated workspace helps signal to the brain that it is time to shift gears. Physical and psychological boundaries are essential to prevent professional obligations from overtaking personal environments.

Another crucial component in achieving work–life balance is open communication. 

Employees should feel empowered to discuss workload concerns, flexible scheduling, or personal constraints with supervisors. Many organizations now recognize the importance of supporting work–life balance through policies like mental health days, compressed workweeks, and wellness programs. However, these initiatives are only effective if employees feel safe utilizing them. Open dialogue fosters a culture of trust and understanding, which not only improves morale but also enhances performance and retention. For leaders, encouraging realistic expectations and modeling healthy boundaries can set the tone for an entire practice.

Furthermore, fostering personal well-being requires attention to physical and mental health.

Chronic stress is one of the most common consequences of poor work–life balance and has serious long-term effects, including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues. Regular exercise, healthy eating, sufficient rest and sleep, and stress-management techniques such as meditation, prayer, or journaling are not luxuries—they are foundational to functioning well in both professional and personal spheres. Mental health support, whether through counseling, peer groups, or having trusted friends to talk to, can also play a vital role in preventing burnout.

Beyond individual strategies, it is essential to recognize that work–life balance is influenced by societal and cultural expectations.

Some cultures value long work hours as a sign of commitment, while others emphasize leisure and family time. Economic factors—such as job insecurity, school/personal debt, or cost of living—also shape how freely individuals can adjust their work commitments. While personal responsibility matters, systemic conditions often determine the feasibility of a proper balance. Therefore, promoting work–life balance is not solely an individual task; it is also a collective endeavor involving employers, policymakers, families, and communities. Laws regarding paid family leave, maximum working hours, and fair wages are examples of structural support that help doctors maintain healthier lives.

Technology, while often a source of imbalance, can also be a powerful tool for enhancing it when used wisely. Electronic calendars and appointment books can help manage time better.

Health-tracking apps provide insights into stress levels and lifestyle habits. However, leveraging technology for balance requires self-discipline and conscious design. Turning off notifications during non-work hours or using apps that limit screen time can help ensure that technology serves personal well-being rather than undermining it.

Ultimately, achieving work–life balance is a continuous, dynamic process rather than a one-time achievement. Life circumstances shift, career roles evolve, and personal priorities change with time.

What matters is cultivating an approach that allows regular reassessment and adjustment. Individuals can periodically evaluate whether their time aligns with their values, whether stress is becoming unmanageable, or whether relationships are receiving adequate attention. Minor adjustments—such as recalibrating a weekly schedule, reassigning tasks, or carving out dedicated personal time—can have a profound cumulative effect. Find what YOU love to do and make time for it!

Whether you choose to work in a private practice (self-employed), small-group or large-group, interdisciplinary, or hospital-based model, the challenges may be both similar and different. Whatever you choose, it is essential to remember you are not locked in ANY decision you make. If your employment does not meet your needs, you can make a change.

In conclusion, managing work and personal life balance is essential to sustained fulfillment, productivity, and overall well-being.

It requires clarity about one’s priorities, structured time management, healthy boundaries, and honest communication with family and work. Moreover, it demands attention to physical and mental health while acknowledging the broader social and organizational contexts that shape how people live and work. Although perfect balance may be elusive, striving for harmony between professional responsibilities and personal needs allows individuals not only to perform better at work but also to live richer, more meaningful lives outside of it. By embracing both personal strategies and collective support systems, we create a more humane and sustainable way of living, one in which achievement and well-being can coexist.

Gerald E. Gronborg, DPM, CWS, FACFAS, FACCWS, is a podiatrist in Bedford, Pennsylvania.