As I wrapped up my medical degree this year after four long years of study, I found myself reflecting on the journey. The post-exam lull provided a rare moment of calm to consider all I had learned – not just about medicine, but about life itself. In the whirlwind of clinical rotations, late night study sessions, and high-stakes exams, I discovered some vital lessons that extended far beyond the standard medical curriculum.
‘First, Do No Harm’ Begins With Self-Care
The phrase “first, do no harm” is a central tenet of medical ethics drilled into every aspiring doctor. But where does that core principle truly begin? With the very first patient interaction? Or before that, by ensuring we as healthcare providers are mentally and physically healthy enough to deliver the best possible care?
Burnout, exhaustion, and the accompanying physical toll are all too common in the medical field. These states inevitably impact patient care and safety. That’s why I believe self-care should be considered a matter of medical ethics rather than a luxury or indulgence.
In practical terms, this means prioritizing regular time for exercise, hobbies, seeing loved ones, and accessing support services when needed. It may even involve setting boundaries and saying “no” to extra duties – a daunting prospect for medical trainees. By framing self-care as an integral part of our professional responsibility, we normalize and encourage these essential practices.
Medicine Is Not An Identity
It’s easy to get swept up in the prestige and all-consuming nature of a medical career. Some physicians seem to wholly subsume themselves in their professional role, as if it were a higher spiritual calling. But the truth is, you can practice medicine, but you can’t become it.
Remember that medicine is not an identity. You can practise medicine, but you can’t become it any more than you can become a salad spinner.
Roland Bull
Basing your entire identity and self-worth on your role as a doctor is a surefire path to losing yourself. I made a conscious effort to pursue interests and relationships entirely separate from medicine, storing up some self-worth outside of my studies. Those reserves proved invaluable on the toughest days of training.
Kindness Is The Constant Amid Uncertainty
Media portrayals of medicine give the impression of nonstop adrenaline and miracle cures. The reality is far less glamorous. We learn to manage disease more often than we cure it outright. Many treatments involve a delicate balance between risks and benefits, frequently leading to profound uncertainty for patients and doctors alike.
Amid this ambiguity, one thing should remain constant: compassion. I firmly believe that excellent bedside manner is just as vital as scientific knowledge. Patients deserve both cutting-edge expertise and deep empathy. How we relate to the human beings in our care is the art to complement the science of medicine.
These insights have fundamentally shaped my approach to life as a doctor. By keeping self-care, balance, and compassion at the core, I hope to sustain a long and fulfilling career in service to my patients. Medicine has taught me far more than how to diagnose and treat – it’s shown me how to live.
