Can physicians—perfectionist people-pleasers with high exposure to human suffering and “burnout”—ever achieve true wellness?
Why does physician wellness feel like a contradiction?
Here are five reasons why it often is:
1. Practicing medicine can damage DNA and accelerate aging
A study of physicians’ chromosomes found that just one year of practicing medicine accelerates aging by six years. That means a 26-year-old doctor is biologically 32 after one year on the job. Stress-induced cellular damage may explain why cancer and doctor suicide are leading causes of death among young doctors-in-training. Chronic physiologic distress also leads to high rates of physician depression and medical student suicide.
2. Physicians are exempt from labor law protections
Most Americans are protected by labor laws: 40-hour weeks and 8-hour shifts with scheduled breaks. Not doctors. Physicians-in-training legally work 80-hour weeks, 28-hour shifts—with no scheduled meals or sleep. Unsustainable workload leads to physician “burnout” and clinician fatigue.
In this video, a hospital doctor shares how she was on call in-house for seven days straight—168 hours without going home.
3. Doctors tend to be workaholics—even on “vacation”
“Time off” isn’t really time off when physicians feel guilty for not working, mentally replay tough cases in bed, or call to check on patients while on vacation. Some fly home early. When airlines ask for a doctor on board, physicians often jump up to help—even if exhausted. Constantly vigilant for signs of distress in complete strangers—on planes, trains, and in cafés—many doctors seem to be on high alert 24/7, contributing to so-called doctor “burnout” and loss of personal boundaries.
4. Doctors have little time to process their trauma
Doctors are exposed to intense suffering—child abuse, domestic violence, terminal diagnoses, and death. Research suggests many subconsciously pursue medicine to work through their own traumatic childhoods. Yet without insight or support, accumulated trauma can lead to emotional numbness, physician depression, anxiety—even doctor suicide.
5. Doctors lack confidential health care
Despite ongoing trauma exposure, doctors often avoid seeking care due to lack of confidentiality. When applying for state medical licensure, physicians waive their HIPAA rights to medical privacy. Because state medical boards must ensure doctors can safely practice medicine, they may subpoena a physician’s medical and pharmacy records.
Since many states ask invasive mental health questions on license applications, physicians fear being labeled “unfit” to practice. So they pretend they’re well—avoid care, silently suffering from untreated depression or anxiety.
How can we improve physician mental health?
Doctors who feel unwell should consider:
* Reducing work hours—even quitting residency or starting a private practice (part-time)
* Seeking truly confidential mental health care
* Joining a confidential physician peer-support group
* Attending an inspiring physician retreat
* Exploring physician coaching
If you’re a physician struggling in silence, you are not alone. These resources can support your journey toward real health and renewed purpose.
Explore physician wellness resources:
* How to Get Confidential Mental Health Help for Physicians
* Creating a Culture of Wellness (Keynote)
* Weekly Physician Peer Support Groups
* Live Your Dream Physician Retreats
Need help? Want to talk? Have a question? Contact Dr. Wible.
Incisively true article Pamela. I think every applicant to med school ought to be required to take an informed consent course consisting of truth speakers letting these applicants know that their altruism and aspirations may not jive with the reality of medicine today.
The more people who can speak truthfully, straightforwardly, about the grim realities of a physician‘s life, the more chance we have of effecting change in the system.
As they say “if nothing changes, nothing changes.“
Thanks Kernan. Agree that informed consent is key PRIOR to starting med school. With all the social media threads on the realities of medical education today hopefully many are becoming aware of how to protect themselves and their license.
Pamela,
This is so great…..because I’ve limited the hours of ‘work’ because of my health, I’ve been called a perfectionist… it hurts because I do strive to do my best but that is what we are called to do, our best. As for the people pleasing haha, that one I conquered a long time ago aiming only to please my God the Lord Jesus Christ first and most: when the Lord is pleased with you, even your enemies MUST make peace with you (Prov. 16:7).
It’s open season
Not an oxymoron—just a disingenuous slogan designed to attract attention and create a positive impression, but it is not truly honest or sincere.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes a slogan disingenuous:
False appearance of sincerity: It aims to seem genuine and truthful, but it conceals an ulterior motive.
Intention to deceive: A disingenuous remark or slogan may contain a partial truth, but its purpose is to mislead or serve a hidden agenda.
Lacking candor or straightforwardness: It is not open or direct and gives a false sense of honesty.
In essence, a disingenuous slogan is a form of deceptive communication that prioritizes creating a positive image or attracting attention over genuine honesty and transparency.