Why practise Stoicism in ICU?

If I had to recommend one book to all doctors to read before, during, and after their training, this is the book. Several years ago, I began exploring Stoic philosophy as a means of finding guidance and principles to navigate a busy phase in my life.

I was midway through the grueling FCICM training program, preparing for exams, balancing work and life, and getting ready to start a family.

I then stumbled upon Ryan Holiday, a New York Times Bestselling Author who has written numerous books on Stoic philosophy by incorporating ancient wisdom into small, digestible chapters, blending them with modern world problems to offer a renewed perspective.

• ✅ This book renewed my spirits when I was burnt out and on the verge of quitting medicine.
• ✅ This book helped rebuild my inner strength after I failed my ICU Primary Exam.
• ✅ This book helped me bounce back after failing my ICU Fellowship Exam.

This book served as a silent Stoic mentor and wise guiding hand, helping me pass the EDIC and FCICM exams within 12 months

This is easily my most re-read book, the one I reach for every time I’m faced with a problem, and the most gifted book to my friends and family, whether they’re facing a crisis or as a launchpad for their next adventure.

What is Stoicism?

Stoicism was a school of philosophy founded in Athens by Zeno of Citium in the early third century BC. Its name is derived from the Greek stoa, meaning “porch,” because that is where Zeno first taught his students. The philosophy asserts that virtue (chiefly, the four cardinal virtues: self-control, courage, justice, and wisdom) is happiness, and it is our perceptions of things – rather than the things themselves – that cause most of our trouble. [excerpt from The Daily Stoic – 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living, Ryan Holiday]

Stoicism in ICU: 3 Key Proposition

This 200-odd-page book is divided into 3-key parts:

1. Perception

The skill to perceive the problem in front of you with calmness and discipline. Not being triggered or reactive, but assessing the situation and responding with an alternative perspective. Small bite-sized wisdom that offers you multiple actionable steps to become a more resilient person.

2. Action

This section highlights the importance of action in achieving our objectives. To put it simply, this is where we falter due to information overload and a lack of action. Action is the solution to all our problems. This part offers the key essence of how deliberate, bold, and perseverant action is the ultimate ingredient for success.

3. Will

In this section, Ryan explores the art of acquiescence, demonstrating how sometimes we must build our inner strength, face the challenges the world presents, and keep moving forward.

Key Stoic Quotes and Highlights

The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way – Marcus Aurelius

Whatever the challenge in front of you, whether it’s getting into training, passing your exams, or becoming a better presenter, the challenge forces you to take the necessary actions to overcome it. The obstacle becomes the way forward. Embrace them.

Don’t let the force of an impression when it first hit you knock you off your feet; just say to it: Hold on a moment; let me see who you are and what your represent. Let me put you to the test – Epictetus

Building a separation between trigger and response will help you reclaim your power, making you look and feel more in control, poised and ready to respond with a mature and calculated decision.

Under the comb, the tangle and the straight path are the same – Heraclitus

Trust the process. Read, revise, watch YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, build Anki card decks, write out your strategy, and do your exam questions. Ask questions. Look stupid. Stumble. Fall. Learn. Next.

What is defeat? Nothing but education; nothing but the first steps to something better. – Wendell Phillips

It’s OK to fail. The most important aspect of failure is to learn from it and incorporate it into your next attempt. Personally, my failures have taught me more than my successes. Fail forward.

Final Thoughts on Stoicism in ICU

This isn’t a self-help cliché. It’s ancient wisdom, reimagined for those of us who stand at the edge — in ICU, in exams, in life. The obstacles facing us are inevitable, but I cannot emphasize enough how much the fundamentals in this book will help strengthen your inner citadel and make you formidable against the challenges that come your way.

Obstacles will come.

The question is: Will you freeze, or will you grow?

Combine the ancient Stoic philosophy in this book with my Ultimate FCICM Resource guide and Preparation for the FCICM Exam for a knockout combination to propel you towards exam success!

💎 Bonus

Watch the above video for a rapid summary of The Obstacle is the Way by the author himself, Ryan Holiday.

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