Understanding the Art and Science of Physician Well Being

Abstract

Physicians although indoctrinated within a culture that boasts of superhuman stamina, but often have underdeveloped skills set for self-care and for achieving a meaningful work-life balance. Increasing complexities, as observed in today’s health care environment have introduced a number of different factors distracting physicians from their primary goal to provide the best possible mcare. At times the resulting levels of frustration, dissatisfaction, stress and burnout can affect their attitudes and behaviors to a point where they become disruptive and their actions can negatively impact relationship that adversely affect patient care outcomes. In our experience and from the existing literature, such conditions may start early in medical school and continue throughout various stages of professional and personal development.