Heal thyself

Article Abstract:

Throughout history, doctors have learned more about their patients after experiencing illnesses themselves. Few explorations of the effect of depression on a physician and his or her subsequent ability to function exist. The author described his own clinical depression which resulted from his wife's life-threatening illness and extremely prolonged recuperation. He took a leave of absence from his practice, and found that all the classic symptoms of major depression were manifested in him. He was anxious, he became hypochondriacal, and finally sought psychiatric help. When he returned to his practice, he was initially unsure that his patients would still care to see him, but was reassured and pleased to find that they supported him. He found himself much more sensitive to their emotional needs than he had been before his own depression. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Medicine, Practice, Medical practice, Physician impairment

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The patient as physician

Article Abstract:

A physician who required emergency heart surgery which was followed by serious postsurgical complications learned how to be a better doctor from his experience as a patient. His unanswered questions, concerns, and worries taught him to take the initiative in asking his patients about theirs. His frustration with getting different information and advice from each doctor taught him to be honest when he does not know or there is no pat solution. His undiagnosed depression taught him to be alert to depression in his patients. A friend finally diagnosed it, and treatment relieved it.

Personal narratives, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations

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Physician burnout

Article Abstract:

Doctors must do whatever they can to avoid burnout because burnout can affect their patients as well as themselves. A non-profit organization called Renew! was started in 1998 specifically to help doctors deal with burnout using panel and group discussions, conferences, and retreats.

Prevention, Burn out (Psychology)

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