The morning after Christmas, Dr. Singh prepared for a senior resuscitation day shift in the emergency department, expecting the unexpected. As she navigated a steady flow of patients, a critically ill patient arrived needing immediate central venous catheter placement. However, she was interrupted by news of a fire at her condominium complex. Despite the emotional turmoil, Dr. Singh continued to work, numbed by the ethos of practicing through personal extenuating circumstances. She later found out that her home and belongings were destroyed in the fire.
Dr. Singh’s colleagues offered support, but no one addressed the impact of trauma or the importance of processing it. Upon returning to work, she struggled with tasks that were once routine, realizing that the traumatic stress was affecting her ability to function. Despite a lack of guidance on how to address trauma, Dr. Singh grappled with the choice of taking time off to process the events or prioritizing her dedication to her work. She reflected on the healthcare system’s shortcomings in addressing mental health and burnout, emphasizing the need for a shift towards prioritizing provider well-being.
The culture of medicine often discourages seeking help for mental health issues, leading to high rates of burnout and suicide among physicians. Dr. Singh highlights the need for systemic changes in healthcare administration to prioritize provider well-being and provide mental health resources proactively. She emphasizes the detrimental impact of burnout on patient care, system efficiency, and costs. Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health in healthcare is crucial to creating a healthier work environment for providers and patients alike.
The traumatic experience of the fire made Dr. Singh realize that her life was out of balance, prompting her to make significant changes in her career. After practicing as an emergency medicine attending, she pursued a fellowship in physician wellness and eventually left traditional medicine to focus on holistic coaching for health care providers. The fire served as a catalyst for her personal and professional transformation, leading to a commitment to prioritize well-being and fulfillment in all aspects of life. Dr. Singh’s story underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing trauma, burnout, and mental health in healthcare.
