It has been claimed that true belonging only happens when we present our authentic and imperfect selves to the world. Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance. As social creatures, we have a fundamental need to belong and to feel connected to others. Belongingness can come from various sources, such as family, friends, community, or shared interests. Consequently, it is essential to note that true belongingness requires us to be vulnerable and authentic.
Unfortunately, vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, something to be avoided at all costs. However, we must recognize that vulnerability can be a powerful tool for building connections and serving others effectively. When we are open and honest about our limitations and struggles, we show others that we are human and willing to ask for help when needed. In this way, we create a sense of trust and mutual respect with others, which can be essential for effective service.
Dr. Rebecca W. Lauderdale is a speaker, southerner, and physician at Hattiesburg Clinic Comprehensive Care, providing care for patients with complex medical conditions. Dr. Rebecca is a board-certified internist practicing in south Mississippi since 2007 with Hattiesburg Clinic, a 300+ physician multispecialty professional association that is physician owned. She started in hospital medicine, but in 2016 launched a new adventure in the outpatient setting focused on care for medically complex Medicare patients in their ACO. She's also an inspiring podcaster at Belonging in the South: A Guide for Misfits.
In this special episode, Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale will share her personal experience of being an outcast in her line of work and how she took a vulnerable step in sharing herself with the community she wants to fit in. Be encouraged by how she surmounts the struggles and demands of being a physician, which enables her to establish a strong perception of her ability and self-worth.
"There are some places where the only person you can belong to is you. And it is a hard thing sometimes to accept that with a certain group of people because you're just going to belong to yourself." – Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale
Topics Covered:
(00:00:00) Introduction + Episode Snippet
(00:00:51) Introducing our special guest, Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale.
(00:01:48) The Lifelong Southerner: Who is Rebecca Lauderdale?
(00:05:28) The contextual rules of the South
(00:06:03) How the Belonging in the South: A Guide for Misfits Podcast was created
(00:09:10) Internalized Misogyny
(00:10:02) Having diverse voices in the room.
(00:10:58) Be comfortable with who you are.
(00:11:30) Belonging vs. Fitting in
(00:12:42) You could belong and fit in at the same time.
(00:13:33) Take a vulnerable step
(00:14:15) Burnout: How does it relate to our profession?
(00:16:20) Shame, Vulnerability, and Belonging
(00:17:00) Medical training discourages vulnerability.
(00:17:54) Identify yourself with like-minded people.
(00:18:30) Quick Reminder: Are you enjoying this episode? Please share it, leave a five-star review, and give feedback. Go to TimeOut with the SportsDr website.
(00:20:13) The Peril of Being a Preacher's Kid
(00:21:02) How does self-valuation play a role in our self-perception?
(00:22:54) Focus on accepting who you are.
(00:24:11) How does self-awareness enable Rebecca to serve others effectively?
(00:26:32) We need others to tell us things when we don't know ourselves.
(00:27:55) The Work Demand: What causes burnout for physicians?
(00:28:44) How do physicians deal with the grief of a patient's death amid the pandemic?
(00:31:01) Final TimeOut with Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale: How would you advise someone who might be feeling the symptoms of depression in their line of work?
(00:32:10) Take care of yourself, even in small ways.
(00:33:52) Connect with Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale.
Key Takeaways:
"Many times people can't identify with the minority because they can't relate to that." – Dr. Derrick Burgess
"There's a lot of ways that we can fit in and be willing to share who we are within safe places. It just benefits all of us." – Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale
"I didn't know how to be a good friend until I was 40." – Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale
Connect with Dr. Rebecca Lauderdale:
Website: https://www.belonginginthesouth.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.lauderdale/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.lauderdale/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.lauderdale
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-lauderdale-md-facp-65771393/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4gzINV5jkDIKCVLqRxGECS?si=48e689af9d37455b
Connect with Dr. Derrick Burgess:
Website: https://www.drderrickthesportsdr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drderrickthesportsdr/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOut.SportsDr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrick-burgess-72047b246/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHGDu1zT4K_X6PnYELu8weg
Email: thesportsdoctr@gmail.com
