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In the healthcare realm, doctors and nurses are often revered as “gods on earth” for their dedication and service. However, these same healthcare professionals are significantly prone to burnout, a growing concern that calls for urgent attention and compassion rather than blame. A new book by Professor Dame Clare Gerada, a London-based general practitioner and former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), UK, emphasizes this need for empathy.
In her book, The Handbook of Physician Mental Health, Professor Gerada underscores the importance of addressing the mental health challenges faced by doctors with kindness and sensitivity. She cites harrowing examples, such as the tragic case of Dr. Daksha Emson, a talented psychiatrist of Tanzanian-Indian descent, who, battling bipolar disorder, tragically ended her life and that of her daughter in 2000. Another poignant example is junior doctor Rose Polge, who reportedly drowned herself in 2016 due to acute self-esteem issues. These cases highlight the dire consequences of untreated mental health issues among medical professionals.
Professor Gerada criticizes the current approach of treating doctors suffering from mental health problems as if they were “naughty school children.” This punitive attitude only exacerbates the problem, leading to increased feelings of isolation and despair among healthcare workers. Her book reveals alarming statistics: doctors have suicide rates that are four times higher than those of other professional groups, with general physicians, psychiatrists, and internationally trained doctors being particularly vulnerable.
Female clinicians, in particular, face a unique set of challenges. They often endure the “double whammy” of managing their professional responsibilities while also caring for their families, leading to heightened stress and burnout. The increased workload, coupled with bullying and racism, further contributes to the development of depression and anxiety among doctors.
Current guidelines on how doctors should behave when unwell or when consulting with sick colleagues often emphasize avoidance and blame, a stance that Professor Gerada argues needs urgent revision. She advocates for a more supportive approach that recognizes the immense pressures faced by healthcare professionals.
Additionally, factors such as patient complaints, frequent relocations for better career prospects, and unsatisfactory treatment outcomes can further alienate doctors, exacerbating their sense of loneliness and burnout. Professor Gerada’s call to action is clear: it’s time to foster a culture of compassion and support within the healthcare system, ensuring that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others receive the care and understanding they need in return.
By embracing these changes, we can help create a healthier, more resilient healthcare workforce, ultimately benefiting both medical professionals and the patients they serve.
