Taking Care of Medical Students
A medical student committed suicide. http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMp1615141
This heartbreaking story is becoming more and more common. Are pressures mounting? Or are we finally comfortable talking about a culture we have created that can be untenable for an otherwise healthy person. Maybe a bit of both.
Do we screen for mental illness? Or do we examine the stress and distress of medical training and medical practice? Should we categorize people: mentally ill or mentally well? Or should we see depression meeting specific diagnostic criteria as the tip of the iceberg that reminds us how difficult this journey is?
Maybe the onus should be on leadership to create a healthy culture. Inviting people to meditate is not sufficient. Stress is epidemic in breadth and depth, in medicine and outside. Medical students have long contended with pressures and stress, but perhaps now is the time to broaden our focus and take the bull by the horns. By valuing healthy sleep, time with friends, unstructured periods for spontaneous experience, autonomy, reflection, relaxation, and exercise, we protect those who protect others. A physician’s expert knowledge and skills are crucial, but if a doctor is crumbling inside he or she may not be able to think clearly, act soundly or respond fully. Medical professionals who are encouraged to care for themselves are better able to help others.
Times have changed. Natural rest periods and time for personal needs in life have disappeared with the advent of technology and endless tasks that require an immediate response. Making a conscious effort to reclaim respite is good for all.