Resilience, Empathy, and Wellbeing in the Health Professions: An Educational Imperative

Abstract

Hillel the Elder, who was born in Babylon and lived in Jerusalem in the first century of the Common Era, is a Jewish sage credited with many aphorisms, including the famous one listed above. A closer examination of his wise words suggests that they can apply to many of us: students, faculty, and practitioners in the health professions, especially with regard to the important issue of self-care. Serving others is the core mission of all healthcare professions. But many times these dedicated professionals neglect their own care to the detriment of themselves and their patients. Flight attendants, perhaps following Hillel's advice, remind us to put our oxygen masks on first, before assisting others. The reason is rather straightforward: If we are not in optimum health, our ability to help others is greatly compromised.