My smile freezes on my face as my patient says to me, “I’m so glad you’re back – that I get to see Mrs. Lycette today!” He has been my patient for several years, and I’m perplexed to hear him address me as “Mrs.” rather than “Doctor.” At the same time, I really don’t think…
1 CommentOne morning not so long ago, I found myself sitting in my car in the parking lot of my clinic. Unable to will myself to open the door. I didn’t want to head in to the clinic that morning. Instead I was filled with despair; overwhelmed with the events of the world. How can I…
Comments closedThe term “compassion fatigue” might imply that physical fatigue leads to the loss of ability to feel compassion for others. After all, what physician hasn’t experienced running on too little reserve? Feeling some degree of emotional numbness? Many physicians may not realize, however, that compassion fatigue can go much deeper. Physicians and other health caregivers…
4 Commentsupdated 3/17/19 A short story on the meaning of burnout. The return from a vacation weighed on me physically. This had been a true vacation – an entire week away spent with my family, away from clinic and the burden of care. I even managed to unplug to the point of only checking email on…
Comments closedThere is a shortage of doctors in rural community practice in the U.S. Medical oncology, is but one of many specialties where the shortage is especially glaring. In oncology, I think there is perhaps a fear of practicing outside the walls of a large tertiary center. Leaving the established framework and boundaries between the doctor…
Comments closedupdated 3/17/19 I recently read on kevinmd.com the accounts of female physicians who attempted to help passengers in air flight emergencies . They were incredulously pushed aside and not allowed to provide emergency care. Yes, you read that correctly. Physicians blocked from providing emergency medical care because the flight attendants didn’t believe they were physicians.…
Comments closed
