Healing our doctors: a reflection on our health

Sanando a nuestros médicos: una reflexión sobre nuestra salud

Doctors always look to rely on scientific evidence and expand our knowledge to put it at the service of our patients. Our patients are our reason for being.   However, it is important to reflect on the vulnerability of our medical population with physical and mental health disorders ranging from depression, anxiety, burnout, coronary events, cerebrovascular events, neoplasms, dementia, suicides, and drug dependence, among others. It is a felt morbidity to which we cannot remain indifferent.  

These situations not only depend on our genetic information but are also triggered mostly by the stress generated by the burdens placed on us, the anguish and ailments of our patients, the pressures of institutions and the health system, in addition to our internal vicissitudes. Therefore, not only our health deteriorates, but also our empathy with the patient, which, beyond scientific knowledge, is essential for their recovery. This situation affects not only practicing doctors but also doctors in training.

This article offers my dear colleagues a reflection on some tools that are available to us to reduce this vulnerability and continue to practice this wonderful profession.