Intrinsically valuable

     "By ignoring expressed existential matters, doctors disregard their patients' humanity, which is a moral offense that is often perceived negatively. At the core of the conception of morality and human dignity is the idea that individuals are not reducible to objects, but intrinsically valuable."

       Agledahl KM, Gulbrandsen P, Forde R, Wifstad A. Curteous but not curious: how doctors' politeness masks their existential neglect. A qualitative study of video-recorded patient consultations. J Med Ethics 2011;37:650e654.

     But health-care professionals tend to derive our sense of acceptance primarily from external praise for ability and performance. We thus tend to be perfectionists, compulsive, needing to be in control, and tend to be emotionally fragile. We feel loved only while performing our professional roles perfectly.

       Fredrickson RE. Nova Scotia Dentist. Aug/Sept 2005.

 

     If you disagree with the last sentence above, check in with how you feel at other times.

     We treat ourselves no differently than we treat our patients. Patients, illness, ourselves - are all objectified, reduced to a simple, efficient, hollow formula.

     Until we first realize that the way in which we relate to ourselves is morally offensive, we'll continue to assume that we're good, caring clinicians.

A physician on burnout & self-care