Time efficiency is a critical skill to achieve success and fulfillment regardless of training level or practice type. At the inaugural AUA2023 leadership and business track, we conducted an interactive session covering 4 pillars of time efficiency in medicine: email management, electronic health record optimization, daily/weekly planning, and habit formation (see Figure).

For email management, Dr Smith emphasized the importance of a minimal number of functional folders, typically arranged chronologically by events (meetings, travel, conferences) and deadlines; and then stressed the importance of intention in setting the time and frequency of email checks while challenging participants to turn off email during vacation. In the electronic health record module, Dr Canes brainstormed ways to reduce administrative burden—in particular, making use of templates and order panels while also considering outsourcing time-intensive activities such as precharting. Following this discussion, Dr Miles-Thomas provided a framework for daily planning and prioritizing, outlining a very simple method of drafting 2 items in order of priority that must be done the following day—and then beginning the next day with that plan in mind. Finally, Dr Malik addressed the importance of these elements in the context of well-being—using habits to prioritize self-care, including sleep, passion projects, and a variety of other activities that boost our energy and efficiency, allowing us to get more done in less time.

The session ended with an engaged discussion with the audience, in which participants asked insightful questions while also sharing useful tips and tricks from their own experience. We encourage you to listen on demand to this high-yield session if you are struggling with finding time for yourself and your personal life. Course worksheets (available online) provide a custom-made time management program that can be immediately implemented to up-level your life in medicine.