Physician Abuse and How to Combat the Issue
According to some medical schools, 100% of their students report experiencing abuse.
What many consider to be physician burnout is more accurately described by medical professionals as abuse. Medical students in residency experience very difficult conditions and exhausting schedules; and as these conditions progress, the fear is that once-inspired and dedicated professionals become too tired and jaded to be the exceptional doctors that they set out to be.
This situation is obviously a no-win cycle for the medical profession, and as such seems inexplicable that the situation has persisted and become the norm. In this environment, a medical professional who cracks under the pressure then is made to feel a failure; when in fact the systematic abuse is to blame for the situation.
If you are experiencing burnout or physician abuse and have been made to feel at fault, take heart. Like any abused party, you are the victim. In order to identify an abusive situation, ask yourself if you are being denied basic needs and reasonable provision. Your burnout is likely the result of abuse if:
- You have been denied breaks to get something to eat, or to go to a restroom
- Your shifts run for multiple successive days
- You are not allowed to sleep during marathon shifts.
- You feel threatened, demeaned or worried about your position if you question your situation
- You have no opportunity for a work-life balance ( exercise, time with friends or family)
Traditionally, doctors have been expected to control the symptoms of burnout with meditation, deep breathing or other coping mechanisms. But it is time that medical professionals realize that coping with mistreatment is not the answer – putting an end to the abuse is. Like any abusive situation, no one should feel guilty for removing themselves from the environment. Medical institutions need to prioritize self-care for physicians, and provide training to manage emotions, PTSD and burnout.
The benefits of taking positive action to end the poor treatment are several-fold. Healthier doctors who still have a passion for their work will provide better health care to their patients; and the overall work environment becomes nurturing and healing, instead of painful and difficult. It’s time that medical professionals feel empowered to break the cycle of mistreatment so often identified with residency, for the benefit of all involved.