- With Mayo Clinic oncologist
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Edward Creagan, M.D.
"The magic of the electronic village is transforming health information. The mouse and keyboard have extended the stethoscope to the 500 million people now online." — Dr. Edward Creagan
The power of the medium inspires Dr. Edward Creagan as he searches for ways to share Mayo Clinic's vast resources with the general public.
Dr. Creagan, a Newark, N.J., native, is board certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hospice medicine and palliative care. He has been with Mayo Clinic since 1973 and in 1999 was president of the staff of Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Creagan, a professor of medical oncology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, was honored in 1995 with the John and Roma Rouse Professor of Humanism in Medicine Award and in 1992 with the Distinguished Mayo Clinician Award, Mayo's highest recognition. He has been recognized with the American Cancer Society Professorship of Clinical Oncology.
He describes his areas of special interest as "wellness as a bio-psycho-social-spiritual-financial model" and fitness, mind-body connection, aging and burnout.
Dr. Creagan has been an associate medical editor with Mayo Clinic's health information websites and has edited publications and CD-ROMs and reviewed articles.
"We the team of (the website) provide reliable, easy-to-understand health and wellness information so that each of us can have productive, meaningful lives," he says.
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Stress blog
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Jan. 10, 2013
Adversity offers opportunity for personal growth
By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.
Recent reader comments tell of challenging and sometimes painful experiences — stories of loss, betrayal and fractured relationships. We don't "get over" this stuff.
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If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.
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We have to deal with it. We have to go "through it" and, if we're lucky, we arrive on the other side as more empowered and insightful people. Life never quite gets back to normal. There's a time of recalibration and eventually something like a new normal emerges.
If we stay the course with the help of people we can count on, we develop a heightened sensitivity and empathy for others going through adversity.
Yes, time does help, but it isn't always enough. Having someone who can relate to your loss, whether it's a professional counselor, friend or family member, can be lifesaving.
Follow me on Twitter at @EdwardCreagan. Join the discussion at #Stress.
6 comments posted
February 28, 2013 9:57 a.m.
There is a saying "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger." It is such a harsh distillation. Still, I like it because it reminds me to not spend too much time and energy lamenting my lot. I am not owed predictability, stabiliity, security. I recognize the loss, I feel it (horrible phase), I look for options, I decide on the one I want to try first, and deep learning begins. In my experience, there is one extra step that is necessary to really mend. I must tell my story to someone else and have them understand what I went through. Only then does the loss transform me for the better, and then it is my turn to witness and understand others' transformations. Repeat as necessary. It can sometimes take everything you've got.
- Christine
February 13, 2013 3:47 p.m.
It is so good to read your advice and to hear others who are going through a loss. Everyone will face this in their lifetime. We have to pick up the pieces and go on with life, and without guilt. It is important to have people, and even pets, to help us get through a trauma such as this. Also need to take care of our health.
- Anne
January 17, 2013 8:51 a.m.
Thank you, Dr. Creagan, for these encouraging words. It helps a great deal to know that someone understands we don't "just get over it."
- Mary
January 17, 2013 5:34 a.m.
Support is great . Not everyone recover from stress the same way and many do not recover at all. There is no universal panacea in this field .
- Laurentiu
January 16, 2013 12:02 p.m.
Excellent summary of the effects of loss and betrayal and the positive outcome that can ensue. Thank you.
- Monique
January 12, 2013 9:16 p.m.
You have acknowledged and validated the many painful experiences many of us are being confronted with all in the same time frame. As overwhelming as these periods may be to me, and with today's research showing a person only may have 2 confidants long term in their life, I am so grateful for your support. Dr. Creagan, you and your team, for me are an important support for my personal growth and resiliency. Your comments apply to so many situations people are faced with today. And, even though I only see your photo, I can feel your caring and know I need to learn from whatever challenge, and look to the blue skies ahead and full moons! P.S. You just be the wisest of all my circle ...and giving unconditionally.
- Kristina
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6 comments posted