The darker side of being a doctor
3 hours ago
- A surgeon describes experiencing dark seasons of depression, anxiety, and burnout despite resilience and strong support, triggered by work-related stressors.
- Loss of control: constant on-call duties, lack of scheduling autonomy, and overwhelming administrative tasks that dictate every aspect of a doctor's day.
- Loss of support: no time for personal relationships or collegial connection, fear of being reported or labeled as underperforming when seeking help.
- Loss of meaning: administrative pressure and business-focused metrics replace meaningful patient interactions, turning medicine into a tiresome industry.
- The surgeon contrasts a fulfilling year with a draining one, highlighting systemic forces that push doctors to the brink, potentially leading to suicide.