Episode 119: The Backlog Episode

Welcome to the Sustainable Clinical Medicine Podcast!

In today’s episode, Dr. Sarah Smith tackles a challenge every clinician knows all too well—the dreaded backlog. Whether its unfinished charts, lab results waiting for review, or paperwork accumulated from a busy week, backlog is that persistent weight that follows us home and keeps us up at night. Dr. Smith gets real about the emotional toll backlog can take, from the shame and overwhelm to the constant struggle to find time amidst ever-increasing clinical demands.

You’ll hear practical tips for managing your backlog, transforming bonus moments in your day into productive opportunity, and making a concrete plan that helps you finally clear that In-basket. Plus, learn more about Backlog Buddies, Dr. Smith’s virtual co-working sessions designed to keep you accountable and in good company as you power through your outstanding tasks. If you’re tired of letting backlog steal your free time and sanity, this episode is packed with insights to help you reclaim both your workday and your life outside of medicine. Tune in and discover how to turn backlog from an endless chore into a manageable—and even occasionally satisfying—part of your clinical routine.

Here are 3 key takeaways from this episode:

1. Plan Ahead for Backlog: Don’t wait for the “right moment”—schedule dedicated sessions to tackle backlog and decide ahead of time what you’ll work on first.
2. Use Bonus Time Wisely: Take advantage of unexpected lulls or no-shows by knowing in advance which quick tasks you can clear off your list in those smaller pockets of time.
3. Celebrate Small Wins: Set a clear end time for backlog work, then acknowledge your progress—even if you only get a few tasks done. Being kind to yourself is crucial for sustainability.

Backlog Buddies:

Backlog Buddies is A Virtual Co-Working Space for Physicians and Clinicians to get their incomplete tasks and charts done. Set aside procrastination, work hard alongside peers for 2 hours and be delighted in what you can achieve with dedicated time and friends.

Whether you’ve got a massive backlog or just a few lingering tasks, we’re here to support you. This is your chance to clear the clutter faster—and create more time for life outside of medicine.

Rather than spending your whole weekend cleaning the kitchen for the fourth time, come to a session and get started. And when you're done? Have something fun planned. You'll deserve it.

We have times available on Saturday mornings, Sunday mornings, Sunday evenings, and Monday mornings. Choose a time slot that works for you. Each session is 2 hours. 

We can't wait to see you at your next Backlog Buddies session!

--------------

Would you like to view a transcript of this episode? Click here

Learn more about Backlog Buddies backlogbuddies.com

**** Charting Champions is a premiere, lifetime access Physician only program that is helping Physicians get home with today's work done. All the proven tools, support and community you need to create time for your life outside of medicine.

Learn more at https://www.chartingcoach.ca

**** Enjoying this podcast? Please share it with someone who would benefit. Also, don’t forget to hit “follow” so you get all the new episodes as soon as they are released.

**** Come hang out with me on Facebook or Instagram. Follow me @chartingcoach to get more practical tools to help you create sustainable clinical medicine in your life.
 
**** Questions? Comments? Want to share how this podcast has helped you? Shoot me an email at [email protected]. I would love to hear from you.