Margaret G. Crossman, MD

WLB=Work Life Balance

  • by John Guthrie
  • October 22, 2021
  • Categories: Blog, Mom Mental Health and Wellbeing, Podcast, Press Release, Uncategorized, Video

By: Margaret Crossman, MD, Chief Medical Officer

WLB = Work Life Balance

I view WLB rather simplistically, a basic principal of SUPPLY and DEMAND.

Although not a perfect analogy, the body, soul and mind can be likened to an automobile that won’t function well without correct fuel and proper maintenance.

Our basic fuel is rest and nutrition. Additional fuel for me includes prayer and Bible study. I also have supercharging additives, such as family and exercise. When added to the mix, they give me an advantage!

But just as driving a car uses up fuel and puts wear on the tires, so work and even play can drain our tanks and wear out your tread.

Good WLB requires regular refueling and maintenance. That’s where routines and schedules can help, so when unexpected detours (difficulties) happen, you’ve got a properly tuned engine, tires that grip, and a reserve tank of fuel to see you through.

Finally, watch for fuel leaks. These can leave a car stranded by the side of the road. In the same way, I’ve seen many bright, talented people with great potential end up on the side of the road in life due to energy drains. I’m referring to unhealthy attitudes, unhealthy mindsets, unhealthy habits, unhealthy relationships, and unhealthy addictions, to name a few.  At a minimum, these will steal your joy in life.  Worse yet they can keep you from reaching your potential (and destination). 

Those with the best WLB fuel wisely, do regular maintenance, and prefer the healthful additives over the harmful ones, to stay the course and finish the race strong.

Let me ask, how is your car running?

Dr. Margaret Crossman is the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Halifax Health and serves as the liaison with the physicians on the medical staff.  She is Board Certified and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, and holds an Associate Professor of Medicine position through Florida State University College of Medicine.

Dr Crossman’s experience includes over 25 years of practicing full spectrum Family Medicine, including pediatric, obstetric and gynecologic care. Her roles at Halifax Health have included serving as Faculty and Women’s Health Coordinator for the Family Medicine Residency Program (FMRP), directing the FMRP Annual Family Medicine Update Conference, and serving as a core team member for the Women and Infant Health MORE (Managing Obstetrical Risk Efficiently) patient safety initiative that paved the way for Halifax Health to become a Perinatal Center of Excellence. Dr. Crossman has served as team lead with national Process Improvement initiatives including chronic disease management, and various women’s health topics.

In her current role as Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Crossman oversees the effective management of Credentialing and Medical Staff Services to ensure patients receive the highest standard of medical care. She also chairs the Governance Council for Halifax Health’s employed physician group, Halifax Health Care Partners (HHCP), and remains clinically active in both the inpatient and outpatient settings through her part-time faculty role with the FMRP. Dr. Crossman was recently awarded the prestigious Florida Academy of Family Physicians Family Physician Executive Award.  This award was created to recognize an outstanding family physician for their dedication to excellence in the provision of high-quality health care, and demonstrated that family physicians can have an impact on improving the overall health of the nation.