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Workshop 6: Managing Cognitive and Digital Load 

November 17 @ 11:30 am - 1:00 pm AST


Executive Skills for a Sustainable Life in Medicine

Join this practical six-session skills series for physicians at all stages of medicine. Physicians are trained to solve complex problems for patients. Yet, strengthening the internal systems that support our own attention, focus, time, prioritization, and follow-through are often left to chance. 

This series offers a practical approach to strengthening the executive function skills that underpin your clinical work and your life to support increased agency, wherever you choose to apply it. You will leave each session with concrete tools you can test during the week. The deeper return is personal. Investing in these skills is one of the most lasting ways to support yourself for steadier days now, and a good life and practice over the long term.

Executive function skills underly all aspects of life and clinical practice. Strengthening these skills can enhance your life and clinical work, helping you feel calmer and less depleted, while protecting attention and energy for the priorities you want your practice and life to serve.

Format and facilitator

Presented by Dr Elisabeth Baerg Hall, MD, CCFP, FRCPC, a psychiatrist and Clinical Professor at UBC who specializes in executive function enhancement and adult ADHD in physicians. 

Six 90-minute online sessions.

  • Small-group, confidential format with cameras on when possible.
  • Designed for medical learners and physicians at any stage of practice.
  • Sessions are stand-alone but you are welcome to attend all six sessions for best results.
  • No cost to attend.
  • Workshops are limited to 25-30 physicians.

Workshop 6: Managing Cognitive and Digital Load 

Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 7:30–9 a.m. Pacific Time and Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 5–6:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Modern medical practice demands nonstop task-shifting, where inboxes and charts are accessible anywhere, at any hour. In the same way, personal and family logistics often compete for your attention throughout the day. For many, these demands can quietly push attention and working memory past what feels manageable.

This session uses a digital wellbeing lens and cognitive load theory to examine every day and clinical work. We will look at the boundary-less nature of practice and personal life, examining ways to reduce avoidable friction and decision fatigue. With an eye to sustaining a fulfilling, values-aligned life and career, we will discuss practical approaches to lighten unnecessary load and protect your mental bandwidth across your workday and personal time so that life feels steadier and more sustainable.

You will:

  • Describe how cognitive load and mental bandwidth function across work and personal life.
  • Identify the habits and patterns that create overload and decision fatigue.
  • Plan personalized adjustments to make your practice and daily life more sustainable.
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