I’m A Doctor. We Need To Talk About A Deeply Troubling Part Of ‘The Pitt.’
The author, a doctor, discusses the culture in healthcare that expects professionals to work through illness and trauma, highlighting the negative consequences of this 'hero culture'. The culture can lead to burnout and stigma around seeking mental health services.
As a doctor, the author reflects on their experience working while ill and the pervasive culture in healthcare that prioritizes patient care over professionals' well-being. During nursing school, the author worked with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, eventually being diagnosed with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. The culture of showing up to work no matter the condition is perpetuated by the 'hero culture' that emerged during the pandemic. This narrative normalizes healthcare workers' exposure to risk and shifts the blame from health institutions to individual workers. The author argues that this culture leaves no room for self-compassion and leads to burnout, as healthcare workers are perfectionistic and feel they cannot make mistakes. The stigma around seeking mental health services further exacerbates the issue.
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