Ten Commandments of Physician Wellness

Abstract

It is a challenging time to be a physician. Recent studies report nearly 45% of doctors feel burnout in their work, more so than among other US workers.1 Burnout has serious consequences for physicians and patients including loss of professionalism,2 medical errors,3 decreased patient satisfaction,4 and even depression and suicidal ideation.5 Recently, in talking to a group of residents about burnout, I asked if they knew anyone in medicine who was happy. Only one of thirty-some aspiring doctors thought that one could find happiness in the practice of medicine. I was saddened for them, and what they saw in their future. I have worked in Physician Health for over 10 years as chair of a physician health committee. At times, I have felt like a medic on a battlefield caring for wounded and struggling colleagues. However, I have also known colleagues who continue to take care of patients and find meaning and joy. There is a lot of press about the stress of practicing medicine, but less about the secrets of thriving. There is literature about resilience.6–8 It has limitations, but several themes have emerged. Pulling together ideas from that literature and experience from my work with colleagues, I offer to residents these “Ten Commandments of Physician Wellness.”