Physicians do their best to juggle the challenges of patient care, administrative demands, and personal well-being, but it is not easy. These pressures can become overwhelming, and lead to burnout if we’re not attentive to our own needs. Even before the feeling of overwhelm, peer support can be a huge benefit to physicians dealing with the many challenges thrown at us.
In this blog I would like to share the potential healing power of physician peer support in the medical community, and why an unspoken understanding exists among physicians.
Defining Physician Peer Support
Physician peer support is an empathic and understanding connection between colleagues who face similar pressures and challenges. The shared experiences and mutual understanding among physicians are significant drivers of trust and rapport. Many physicians express that the simple act of being listened to is a positive experience in itself.
Peer support provides a safe space for physicians to express their thoughts and concerns with another physician who is actively listening without judgment. Peer support is an organic exchange of support among colleagues, atypical of most work environments.
The most powerful aspect of physician peer support is the act of listening. In a field where communication is critical, I often hear from physicians that they don’t feel heard. The ability to share experiences, whether they are triumphs or challenges, fosters a sense of camaraderie that can be profoundly healing.
Breaking the Stigma of Vulnerability
Physicians share a unique bond forged through the common challenges of healthcare, patient care, and confronting the emotional toll of their profession. Peer support taps into this shared experience, creating a network of understanding that extends beyond the clinical setting.
In a profession that often emphasizes strength and resilience, acknowledging vulnerability can be challenging for physicians. Peer support provides a safe space for physicians to open up about their fears, doubts, and struggles without fear of judgment. It fully recognizes how resilient we are. This vulnerability is a source of additional strength and connection.
Preventing Burnout and Fostering Resilience
Physician burnout is a pressing issue in the medical community, with long hours, high expectations, and emotionally taxing situations taking a toll on well-being. Peer support acts as a preventive measure, offering a support system that helps physicians navigate stressors, reinforce resilience, and rediscover the passion that led them to medicine in the first place.
Peer Support has the Power to Heal
Physician peer support is not just a professional courtesy; it’s a lifeline that sustains the emotional well-being of those dedicated to healing others. When the stakes are high, and the demands are relentless, the unspoken bond among physicians provides a vital source of support. By acknowledging the importance of peer support, the medical community can pave the way for a healthier, more connected profession.
Jeffrey M. Smith, MD, FACS, PCC
Jeff is the founder of SurgeonMasters, a practicing Orthopaedic Traumatologist, and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC). He has more than 800 hours of one-on-one surgeon coaching experience and 500+ hours of accredited coach training.
You can find his thoughts about the practice of medicine in the SurgeonMasters blog and as the host of the SurgeonMasters Podcast, Life Improvement Strategies for the Surgeon Who Wants More… in 10 Minutes.