Dr. Pauline Chen outlines the dangers of doctors under stress in her column this week. Personal, fundamental stress, beyond the normal stresses of the job, can cause as much harm and as many errors as a physicians who is sleep-deprived.
But I think what is most compelling about this column and Dr. Chen's other columns are the personal stories and anecdotes about physicians and the difficulties they face on the job. It is one thing to see your physician and think "Hey, he seems stressed." But it is another thing to hear firsthand from real physicians about their occupation and the stresses and insecurities that accompany it. Being able to empathize with the person on the other side of the exam table can be a valuable part of fostering trust and building a communication relationship between physicians and patients.
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