Author: Dr Corrigan

Stressed doctor I'm fine

I am FINE*

Depending on which brand of English you speak, fine might be “awesome”, “doing great”, or “things could not be better”.
Often, however, “I’m fine” is just a throwaway term without meaning. If you are a physician, there’s a >6 in 10 chance you are NOT fine. Read on to find out more.

hippocrates

Hippocrates or hypocrisy

Few of us swear by Apollo the physician, and Asclepius, and Hygieia and Panacea. But all of us know, “First do no harm,” (which is actually a misquote from the Hippocratic Oath). The Oath underpins much of modern medical ethics and professionalism. Most of us ascribe to these broad principles, but in conversations with distressed colleagues, it is apparent that there are a minority of us who seem to be mired in hypocrisy rather than Hippocrates.

physician self care

Physician self care is not selfish

Physician self care is not selfish. It’s essential to thriving in medicine. This article will explore barriers to physician self care and help physicians develop self-care practices for their physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual health.

second victim syndrome

“Second victim” trauma in medicine

When things go wrong, it is easy to focus only on the “first victim” and forget those around them affected by the error – especially the clinician who made a mistake, also known as the “second victim” in medicine.

Physician Suicide Prevention and Wellbeing Resources

Global physician suicide prevention and wellbeing resources

Physicians Anonymous humbly hosts this living document of global resources for physician support.

Search: Scroll down to your country or press Ctrl+F and enter your keyword to search.

If you would like to add resources or your country please Contact us or leave details in the comments below.

overcome cognitive distortions

Cognitive distortions in medicine – part 2

Cognitive distortions are exaggerated or irrational thoughts that we have. In Part 2 of this article, by learning to tackle common cognitive distortions, you will be empowered to manage your amazing mind and smooth over the bumps in the road of a career in medicine.

Cognitive distortions in medicine

Cognitive distortions in medicine – part 1

Extreme stress tends to bring out more of these cognitive distortions, and modern medicine is a rich source of stress for doctors and medical students. We give 6 examples of classic cognitive distortions as applied to medicine, and discover ways to challenge them with more realistic thinking.

Christmas in hospital as a physician

Christmas in hospital as a physician

T’was the night before Christmas, and all through the ER, everyone was stirring, shouting, vomiting, and hemorrhaging. Except for the mice, who very sensibly stayed away, because it was chaos.

Coaching for resident burnout prevention

Coaching for resident burnout prevention

This article explores why residents are at even higher risk of burnout and mental health deterioration than the average physician population. We then look at the evidence base for resident burnout prevention programs and consider why postgraduate education providers should seriously consider investing in these. Mindfulness and Coaching programs are examined as having the most evidence-base.

Trauma hospital ER

The trauma of medicine

The life of a physician is one of the most stressful professions. In this article, I’ll discuss the trauma of medicine and what can be done about it.

First day as a doctor

My first day as a doctor

“Welcome to the Trauma Surgery Unit” said Prof. “As it’s New Year’s Day we’re expecting a quiet one.” Prof’s sense of irony (i.e. sarcasm) was legendary. That night (first shift) a young man came in. “Stabbed chest. Resus!” came over the PA system, and everyone moved.

how to get sober if you’re addicted to medicine

How to get sober if you’re addicted to medicine

In Part 1, we made the case that a career in modern medicine meets the diagnostic criteria for addiction. Medicine can be unhealthy, yet we carry on or feel unable to make healthy changes. In Part 2, we explore how to get sober if you’re addicted to medicine.