Creating Space: The 75% Rule & Surge Capacity in Healthcare & Life

Surgeon, Interrupted

In this episode, family physician and fellow HC member Dr. Joan Chan introduces the idea of Creating Space—a philosophy of time management and self-preservation that challenges the culture of overcommitment in medicine. Drawing from her experience during the pandemic, Joan explains the “75% rule”: the practice of deliberately leaving room in your schedule for the unexpected, for self-care, and for breathing space in a world that constantly demands more.

Together, we unpack the hidden costs of overcommitment, from burnout to moral distress, and explore why so many of us equate busyness with success. We examine the psychological hurdles that make it hard to step back - the scarcity mindset, the fear of falling behind, and how shifting these beliefs can unlock resilience and clarity.

The conversation moves beyond medicine, highlighting how Creating Space applies to every facet of life. By carving out room for rest, reflection, and flexibility, Joan argues, we not only protect our well-being but also show up more fully - at work, at home, and in the relationships that matter most.

This is an invitation to rethink how you spend your time, honor your limits, and embrace a more intentional, spacious way of living.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Guest: Joan Chan, MD

Connect with Joan:

https://www.hippocratic-collective.com/members/joan-chan-md

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

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