Balancing Family and Work

Student Life as a Parent with Children at Home

Thriving at work, home and as an MHCM student: How do they do it?

We asked the experts-our students and recent graduates:

Jennifer Brockman MD and family

Jennifer Brockman, MD and family

  • Balance perfectionism with realism
  • Schedule/plan weekly study time as one would other commitments
  • Have family visit for some portion of the summer session. Although it was busy, we made some wonderful memories
  • Explore novel concepts to accomplish things-such as grocery delivery and meal services. Being intentional and using good time management skills has been critical
Irfan Dhalla, MD and family

Irfan Dhalla, MD and family

  • An encouraging spouse is very important. I wouldn’t have enrolled if my spouse hadn’t been 100% supportive.
  • I have accepted that I won’t do every assignment as well as I could if I had unlimited time. I’ve tried to focus more on the courses and assignments that are most important to me.
  • I’ve also tried to find time that I would otherwise be using unproductively. For example, I’ve been surprised how much reading I can get done on the subway.
Minal Kapoor, MD and family

Minal Kapoor, MD and family

  • Family study nights at the kitchen table. “We do our homework together every evening. This been a motivator for my kids and a great way to lead by example.”
  • Plan for the summer session in advance. There are some great summer classes for kids in Boston in the summer.
Mark Townsend, Cohort 20, MD and family

Mark Townsend, MD and family

  • Do homework together on weekends
  • Set lifelong learning example “Going ‘back to school’ has been a way for me to demonstrate to my children my commitment to lifelong learning. We ‘do our homework’ together, and we have created a whole new bonding experience!”
  • Bring whole family to Boston in the summer for fun, history and exploration
  • “My wife and children came to Boston with me for the summer sessions; they enjoyed a break from the pace of life at home, and they enjoyed exploring the history and sights of Boston!”