Blogs
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01
How to ease men’s fear of mentoring in medicine
The blog post titled "How to ease men’s fear of mentoring in medicine" on KevinMD addresses the concerns and fears that men in the medical field have about mentoring, especially in light of the #MeToo movement. Dr. Waggel offers strategies to create a safer and more supportive environment for mentorship. She discusses the importance of clear communication, establishing professional boundaries, and fostering a culture of respect to alleviate apprehensions and encourage effective mentoring relationships.
02
Behind that computer in your doctor’s office, there is a war going on
In the article "Behind that computer in your doctor’s office, there is a war going on," published by KevinMD, Dr. Sarah Diekman highlights the challenges doctors face in the modern healthcare system. She explains how bureaucratic and legislative pressures, combined with the influence of insurance companies, negatively impact patient care and doctor-patient relationships. Dr. Diekman, speaking from her dual perspective as both a physician and a patient, emphasizes that doctors are often unfairly blamed for issues beyond their control. She describes how doctors are constrained by administrative demands, such as the need to justify every minute spent with patients, and the time-consuming process of obtaining insurance approvals for necessary treatments. Despite these obstacles, doctors continue to fight for their patients' best interests, often at great personal sacrifice. Dr. Diekman concludes by expressing gratitude to the doctors who saved her life, acknowledging the immense dedication and sacrifice they make in the face of a challenging healthcare environment.
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03
The Imposter Effect
Jamie Katuna shares a personal experience of failing a medical school test with a score of 57%, which was a first for her. She describes the shock, embarrassment, and feelings of inadequacy that followed, highlighting how failure can lead to an identity crisis where one feels like a personal failure. Katuna cites Dr. Suzanne Koven’s quote from the New England Journal of Medicine about the pervasive fear of being a fraud in the medical profession. She emphasizes that this feeling of inadequacy is common among medical students and professionals, leading many to suffer in silence, quit, or disconnect. Katuna challenges those in medicine to openly discuss their fears and mistakes, arguing that doing so can build confidence and foster a more supportive environment.
04
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Amy Wen's blog summarizes three articles addressing critical issues in the medical field. Erene Stergiopoulos, in "Illness in doctors: a source of expertise, not a sign of weakness," shares her experience as a cancer patient and medical student, challenging the notion that doctors must be superhuman and urging medical professionals to embrace their vulnerabilities for better patient care. Faye Reiff-Pasarew, in "I’m a young, female doctor. Calling me ‘sweetie’ won’t help me save your life," discusses the gender biases female doctors face, highlighting the need for respect and equal treatment in the profession. Sarah Maslin Nir's "Bronx Hospital Shooting: What We Know and What We Don’t Know" reports on a tragic shooting at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital Center, emphasizing the need for improved security and thorough vetting processes in hospitals.
05
How Should We Deal With Physicians' Mental Health?
Jamie Katuna discusses the tragic Bronx-Lebanon hospital shooting, highlighting a critical issue: physician mental health. On June 30th, a physician entered the hospital, killing one person, wounding six others, and ultimately committing suicide. Before opening fire, he reportedly shouted, "Why didn’t you help me when I was getting in trouble?"
This incident underscores a larger issue: physicians' mental health struggles and the lack of adequate support. Statistics reveal alarming trends: one-third of physicians experience burnout, medical students have a 15%-30% higher depression rate, physicians have a 10%-20% higher divorce rate, and 300-400 physicians die by suicide annually.
The culture of medicine, characterized by high stress, lack of autonomy, sleep deprivation, and immense responsibility, contributes to these issues. Physicians often avoid seeking help due to fear of losing privileges or licenses, and a prevailing stoicism prevents them from admitting struggles.
Interventions like meditation and exercise are impractical due to time constraints. The article questions whether the "tough-it-out" mindset is inherent or created, and how to foster a supportive medical culture where seeking help is encouraged.
06
Stand Up for What You Believe In
Louis Hernandez encourages resilience, living in the present, and self-reliance. He highlights the importance of finding purpose and not being swayed by others' opinions.
About the Author:
Louis Hernandez is a health science major, cancer survivor, and aspiring military doctor.
Articles:
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Reducing Physician Burnout:
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The Southern California Permanente Medical Group is working to alleviate physician burnout.
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Accelerated Medical School Program:
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A three-year program aims to make medical school more affordable.
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Texting Suicide Case:
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Michelle Carter's conviction highlights the impact of harmful digital communication.
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Coping with Suicide Loss:
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Stresses the importance of seeking help during stressful times, especially for medical students.
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