Episode #60: Sleep is my number 1 priority! With Dr. Jose Mendez

Dr. Jose Mendez is a pulmonologist and is board certified in internal medicine, pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. In this episode, Jose speaks to doctors about physician sleep issues, and his advice to them. Jose knows most of my favorite doctors, so I take advantage of this opportunity to give them a shout-out by name; they are all amazing!! Jose expresses gratitude and appreciation to his colleagues too. He paints a picture of what it was like to be a pulmonologist/critical care doctor during the early days of the pandemic, including being responsible for “Patient 0” in Connecticut, separating from his family for 6 months and living in his basement to protect them. He tells the story of an incredible act of kindness performed by a staff support person of his, and also comments, “Even though I’m a sleep board certified physician, I never understood the implications of what sleep deprivation could do for somebody’s career.” “We quickly as a team realized that we needed to conserve ourselves, manage our energy, and manage our health.” “If we didn’t take care of ourselves, we would not have been able to save the hundreds of people that we did save.” He talks about sleep and rest as a critical pillar of well-being, “A tool to make you more efficient…patients need you to be awake and alert and at your best.”Jose shares specific tips for improved sleep, and he describes studies citing poor health outcomes for inadequate sleep. Regarding snoring and sleep apnea, “Many physicians think of it for their patients, but not for themselves.” “We are all the same, we can all have the same diseases our patients have. Why would we be any different?!” Jose senses some shame from physicians surrounding sleep issues, including women and snoring, and he wants to break down barriers to seeking help, adding that many colleagues underestimate its significance.Jose concludes by complimenting the doctors he works with; “Never underestimate the importance of having a good mentor, a good friend in your group!” Thank you for being my guest, Jose, I’m already looking forward to our next conversation!