How I Work Smarter: Christopher Colbert, DO FACEP, FACOEP, FAAEM

One word that best describes how you work?

Practical

Current mobile device

iPhone 12

Computer

iMac Pro / Mac book Pro

What is something you are working on now?

Organizing/Planning the ACOEP’s annual Spring Seminar

How did you come up with this Idea/Project?

I have been part of the planning committee for the spring conference for 5 years.

What’s your office workspace setup like?

A well-lit room with decent speakers (huge music fan), 2 Macs side-by-side, and most importantly, a very comfy chair.

christopher colbert work smarter office 1

christopher colbert work smarter office 2

What’s your best time-saving tip in the office or home?

Keep your work in your office so that the remainder of your home is a comfortable place “away” from work. This concept will ensure that you maintain focus when completing your office work and support a healthy home that is not overrun by work responsibility outside of the office.

What’s your best time-saving tip regarding email management?

Anything by email that can be completed in 2 minutes or under, make time to complete if the moment is available. It is easy to allow the inbox to overflow throughout the course of a day. Periodically checking one’s email with purpose will ensure that the burden of finishing emails for the course of the day is no more than five minutes.

What apps do you use to keep yourself organized?

Google calendar is what I live by :)

How do you stay up to date with resources? 

FOAMed and journal watch

What’s your best time-saving tip in the ED?

Every time you sit down, document on two charts. As ED physicians we live and breathe based on documented reevaluations.  my recommendation to keep up with a busy room is to document on at least 2 charts each time.

ED charting: Macros or no macros?

Macros expedite charting and make each chart more robust

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about work, life, or being efficient? 

The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule but to schedule your priorities.

– Stephen Covey

What advice would you give other doctors who want to get started, or who are just starting out?

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”

– Stephen Covey …………… it’s just a really good quote!

Is there anything else you’d like to add that might be interesting to readers?

Most people feel as if change is something that “happens to them”, it is not. One of the most constant themes in life is change. When you notice change starting to take place it is a sign that you need to grow.

Who would you love for us to track down to answer these same questions? 

  • Dr. Marina Del Rios @DraCoquiMD
  • Dr. Andy Little @andyglittle