In a special edition of the Innovation Journal Club, Dr. Singh sat down with Darrell E. White, MD, for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation on work-life balance, emotional wellbeing, and the journey to health. Rather than diving into clinical data or podium presentations, the two seasoned ophthalmologists explored a concept that resonates far beyond medicine—harmony.
Dr. White shared wisdom gleaned from a heartfelt conversation with his daughter, a behavioral therapist, who reframed the elusive goal of “work-life balance” as “harmony.” Rather than drawing strict boundaries between work and life, she suggested viewing them as interconnected components that must work in concert. Inspired, Dr. White developed a presentation around this idea, using the metaphor of a musical composition or a cascading fountain to illustrate the balance of life’s many elements.
“You can have everything,” Dr. White explained, “but you have to define what ‘everything’ means to you. And even then, you can’t have everything all the time.” This flexible, self-defined framework offers a healthier alternative to the unrealistic pursuit of daily balance. Some weeks may demand more from one’s professional life, while others may lean into family or personal passions.
Dr. Singh, who has undergone his own health transformation following bypass surgery, echoed this sentiment. He emphasized the importance of embracing one's full identity—including passions like music—which can enrich professional life rather than detract from it. “I realized I can’t be who I am if I don’t bring that music into what I do,” he said.
The discussion underscored the critical need for proactive health awareness. Dr. White cautioned that even seemingly healthy individuals may harbor hidden risks. He encouraged intentional self-assessment and prevention, noting that emotional and physical well-being are deeply intertwined.
For both physicians, creative outlets—writing for Dr. White, music for Dr. Singh—have become essential for processing thoughts and maintaining mental clarity. They advocated for professionals to integrate these passions into their lives as part of a broader personal harmony.
Ultimately, the conversation was a call to redefine success, not as a relentless pursuit of doing everything at once, but as a mindful curation of what truly matters, lived in rhythm with one’s own values and wellbeing.
