Physicians as Humans: Physician Mental Health

In the competitive and paradoxically-isolating era of modern medicine and social media, we must reduce the stigma of not only mental illness, but also of occasionally being less than stellar. Improvements in work environment and lifestyle balance are key to improving the physician condition, but we must also endeavor to support each other with empathy and compassion for the benefit of our patients and our health care system.

Source: Physicians as Humans: Physician Mental Health

#OnCall4Syria: A local health advocacy initiative

Since 2011, the Syrian Civil War has forced millions to flee their homeland. Over 4 million Syrians are currently seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, with an additional 7.6 million people internally displaced. The United Nations considers this the worst refugee crisis in twenty years and an adequate international response is imperative. With the newly-elected federal government recently pledging to accept over 25,000 Syrian refugees over the next few months, the opportunity for impacting the lives of our newest fellow Canadians is palpable.Since 2011, the Syrian Civil War has forced millions to flee their homeland. Over 4 million Syrians are currently seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, with an additional 7.6 million people internally displaced. The United Nations considers this the worst refugee crisis in twenty years and an adequate international response is imperative. With the newly-elected federal government recently pledging to accept over 25,000 Syrian refugees over the next few months, the opportunity for impacting the lives of our newest fellow Canadians is palpable.

Source: #OnCall4Syria: A local health advocacy initiative

Physicians as Humans: Starting the Conversation

Lately, I have been thinking about the lies we tell each other as doctors. Mostly, these are lies of omission. We share stories of slick procedures, clever diagnoses, and post-shift half-marathons. We skip over the mediocre feedback that followed us home. We hide the weekends that we waste wallowing in exhaustion and self-pity. Sometimes it seems harmless – considerate, even – to keep this heavy stuff to ourselves, but these lies create a climate of inadequacy and isolation. There is nothing lonelier than believing that no one is struggling but you.

Source: Physicians as Humans: Starting the Conversation