September 2026
Family Medicine
Cleveland Piggott, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Family Medicine at CU Anschutz, is the author of a recent article titled “I Sit With It Longer,” published in Family Medicine, the official journal of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.
When asked how he hopes this article will inspire students and colleagues, Dr. Piggott spoke about finding meaning and embracing change.
“One way I help myself process is through narrative writing. A coach—the same one who inspired this article—once told me that our minds make a pretty convincing argument for doing the same thing,” said Dr. Piggott. “However, the body often knows when it's time for a change. Sometimes that means taking a leap of faith, pursuing a new opportunity, or, in my case, stepping back... for now. May you listen to your body and move toward the warmth. My hope is that this piece will help others, whatever season of life or career they are in, move toward that warmth if they aren't already living in it. I hope you enjoy it or that it at least touches on something meaningful for you.”
Dr. Piggott continued by offering support to those who may be experiencing similar emotions reflected in his article.
"If anyone is struggling with a transition or with ‘the times’ and wants to talk, know that my door is literally closed but metaphorically always open. Don't be a stranger.”
From the article:
“‘What’s that negative emotion you are sitting with for this coaching session?’ The physician well-being coach asked me as I sat across from her in the middle of the room. As a clinician educator, I look forward to our periodic faculty development sessions from these expert coaches as they give us skills to use with our longitudinal cohort of students.
‘I’m so tired.’ As soon as I said those words out loud, I found myself holding back tears. I immediately regretted volunteering to do this as an example in front of a group of 20 of my peers. I need to hold it together.
‘Often when people say ‘tired’, what they mean is emotionally exhausted, does that ring true for you?’
‘Yes,’ I go on to explain why but my voice begins to trail off as the tears start. I reflexively apologize. I’m not sure if I’m apologizing to the coach, my peers, or simply mad at myself for crying so publicly. Probably all three. Having a breakdown wasn’t on my checklist for the day. I take a moment to compose myself.”
Read more of this article.