Life Changing Moments - Coaching Human Factors: Saving Cognitive Energy in Medicine with Dr. Sachiko Kaizuka

Why do some physicians thrive when new workflow tools are introduced, while others continue to struggle despite having access to the same resources? In this insightful episode of Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman sits down with Dr. Sachiko Kaizuka—Associate Professor of Family Medicine at the University of Rochester School of Medicine—to explore the intersection of physician well-being, workflow design, and coaching. Dr. Kaizuka shares her journey from rural practice burnout to becoming an EMR "super user" and wellness advocate. She introduces the concept of human factors ergonomics—a framework used in aviation and aerospace to optimize human performance—and explains how it applies to healthcare. Her research demonstrates that combining human factors principles with personalized coaching helps physicians reduce cognitive load, improve note closure rates, decrease after-hours EMR work, and sustain improvements in well-being long after coaching ends. This conversation offers practical tools for any clinician feeling overwhelmed by documentation, inbox management, and the competing demands of modern medicine. Key Topics Discussed: Dr. Kaizuka's personal journey through burnout and recovery in rural practice. The concept of human factors ergonomics and its application to healthcare. Understanding cognitive energy as a finite resource that must be budgeted and replenished. Why resilience and mindfulness alone aren't enough to address physician burnout. The "missing link" between workflow tools and physician adoption: personalized coaching. How coaching helps clinicians identify and challenge beliefs about perfectionism and expectations. Practical examples: reframing note-writing, setting boundaries, and letting go of unnecessary tasks. The NASA Task Load Index and the emotional cost of frustration. Results from Dr. Kaizuka's pilot study: improved note closure rates, reduced after-hours EMR use, sustained well-being improvements. The power of shifting from "EMR hater" to curious learner. Future plans: scaling the coaching model and training peer coaches. Guest Information: Dr. Sachiko Kaizuka, MD – Associate Professor of Family Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine MD Coaches: mymdcoaches.com Relevant Links: MD Coaches: mymdcoaches.com Companion podcast: Rx for Success with Dr. Randy Cook Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM)