Time management. It’s something I’ve talked about before, and in this fast-paced world, it’s become a non-negotiable skill. But what happens when taking care of your health takes more time than it feels like you have?

I’ve felt the strain and I know many of you do, too. We’re juggling businesses, families and life all while trying to maintain our well-being. And it’s not like the medical world is making it any easier.

When I think back to my childhood, or even to when my boys were younger, the medical field felt like a different place.

Your family doctor knew you, not just medically, but personally. They were clued into your school life, your family life and even your extracurriculars. If they referred you to a specialist, it meant something, and you were seen quickly — maybe within a week or two. Sure, there was a wait, but it wasn’t what it is today.

Nowadays, it feels like getting in to see a specialist can take months. And let’s be real, most of us dread making an appointment because who has four hours to spare?

Sitting in a waiting room, getting shuffled into an exam room, waiting some more, all for a quick 15-minute consult that leads to tests and referrals elsewhere.

And I get it, this isn’t all doctors’ fault. Some are brilliant and some aren’t, just like any other profession. But they’re working within an industry that’s regulated and burdened in ways that seem to keep patients at arm’s length.

My grandfather founded Belmont Eye Clinic, and I remember how he treated his patients — like family. He knew them inside and out, spent time diagnosing and explaining, and they walked out feeling heard and cared for.

That personal touch is something I sorely miss in today’s medical world.

My family teases me because I’m a stickler when it comes to appointments.

I run my own business, so I don’t have hours to burn in a waiting room. If I show up early and the doctor’s running behind, I reschedule.

Not to be difficult, but because my time is valuable, just like yours. I like to think that, in doing so, I might shorten someone else’s wait. But honestly, it’s about efficiency. Those are hours I could be using productively.

I know I’m not alone in this frustration. The ER is a different story, hard to control, but regular doctor’s offices?

We can do better.

Yes, there’s a shortage of medical professionals and that’s part of the problem, but there are solutions that could make it a little easier for us all to prioritize our health.

Here are two ideas.

First, let’s redesign waiting rooms. Think about pediatricians’ offices — how they create spaces where kids can play and distract themselves while waiting.

Why can’t we do the same for adults? Create a space where we can plug in, get work done, or even just relax. Imagine a waiting room where conference calls are off-limits, but quiet work or listening to a podcast is encouraged. It’s a small change that could make a big difference.

Second, let’s start incorporating AI into the medical field.

I know it sounds futuristic, but AI could help doctors manage their time better, understand their patients more deeply and streamline the entire process. From tracking patient history to scheduling more efficiently, there’s untapped potential in AI that could revolutionize the way we experience healthcare.

So, what do you think? Would either of these ideas help reduce the frustration of long waits? How do you deal with the time it takes to take care of your health?

From me to you, it’s about making health care work for us, not against us. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Mother, author, entrepreneur and founder of Dandelion-Inc, Lisa Resnick wants to hear your story. Share memories with her by emailing lisa@dandelion-inc.com.