Keeping Your Cool

I think it is important to recognize that these young doctors are under a lot of stress. And it is essential that they recognize this in themselves. The training is challenging and can be quite demanding, both physically and emotionally. Everyday is filled with experiences that require a deep emotional reservoir to help one cope with the psychological demands of the day. Patients are in pain, they are ill, they may be suffering. And we, as caregivers, need to provide comfort, encouragement and hope. It is not enough to be polite (and sometimes even that may be a challenge); physicians need to be empathetic and compassionate. And to our co-workers (and loved ones for that matter) we must remain kind and pleasant. It's easy to lose one's cool when you're tired and stressed-out. I am hopeful that these young doctors will answer the phone call from the nurse, for example, with the same friendly tone at the end of the year as they do at the beginning. It's what we call, being professional.