Practicing medicine often requires giving up personal time, even during festive occasions. Here, we explore some of the less favorable elements of being a doctor while the rest of society seems to be in a celebratory mood.
Preparation for Christmas Day
One Christmas, rather than reveling in holiday cheer, I found myself in a library, surrounded by textbooks and notes, studying for board exams. The isolation, contrasted with memories of family gatherings and joy, emphasized the pressure to excel. It was more than just an exam; it was about demonstrating my abilities to myself and ensuring my family’s pride in my achievements.
New Year’s Eve at Work
One year, while everyone else was celebrating the New Year, I was busy composing discharge summaries. Instead of enjoying fireworks, I was under hospital lighting, making sure my documentation was thorough. It wasn’t about setting resolutions for better outcomes but a necessity to uphold my reputation as a committed physician.
Christmas Eve in the Emergency Room
The emergency department was my Christmas setting one year. Wearing a heavy coat and my stethoscope, I spent the night caring for patients. The typical festive warmth was replaced by the urgent demands of medical care, a reminder of the heavy responsibility borne by healthcare workers.
Traveling with Infants
Traveling on Christmas Day with an infant isn’t merely a logistical challenge—it’s also emotionally draining, especially when it involves relocation due to previous traumas faced in the profession. A necessary diversion for safety rather than choice, it highlighted the dissolving lines between personal and professional life.
The Price of Commitment
Doctors often wear their dedication like a badge, but continual sacrifice leads to burnout. Systematic pressures overshadow personal health, transforming significant occasions into mere calendar entries.
Challenging the Status Quo
We need to scrutinize the systems that equate overexertion with professionalism. Why do sacred holidays become secondary to administrative tasks? Why is self-care neglected in favor of work demands? It’s crucial to reassess and reclaim the joy associated with celebrating important life events.
A Call for Transformation
It is vital for everyone, including physicians, to find rest and tranquility amidst their responsibilities. This isn’t merely about finishing tasks—it’s about preserving joy and being present. As healthcare professionals, we must advocate for systemic changes that prioritize well-being alongside work.
To any physician who feels alone during festive times, remember that you are acknowledged. We yearn for a future where systems evolve, allowing personal joy its rightful place. Value laughter, rest, and self-care—not just as occasional retreats but as constant companions throughout life’s journey.