Physician burnout – and burnout in general – is at an all-time high. From this
Sadly, as noted in
The insurance companies’ complications, government involvement, and economic downturn have all added fuel to this fire of discontent. But I think the problem is even more pervasive than that.
It stems from our interactions. With each other and with our patients.
In the northern Natal tribes of South Africa, members greet one another with “Sawa bona,” which means “I see you.” The response is “Sikhona,” which means “I am here.”
How is that different from our usual “How are you?” followed by “I’m fine?”
The difference is in the validation, the acknowledgment of each individual as truly having meaning and importance.
When we walk into an exam room, we may actually ask a patient how they’re doing. But more likely, we’ll ask about the specific problem they’re having: “How’s your back pain?” or “Did the medicine make your itchy rash better?”
The leap from “I see you” to “How’s your back pain?” is huge.
It implies that the patient – just like those in the memorable book we all read in training,
It’s not surprising that it’s come to this. We witness families at restaurants interacting more with their smartphones than with each other. We interrupt conversations, mealtimes, and playtimes to check our inboxes for more data to fill our days.
What’s the solution? Should we all start talking in the language of Natal? No. Well, not necessarily.
I do, however, believe that we need to take stock of ourselves and that on which we choose to focus.
We need to be more present every day for each other, for our colleagues, and for our patients.
We need to come together as healers and maintain the humanity in medicine.
Let’s focus on, as Jill Bolte Taylor suggests,
It’s not a quick fix. But it’s a start.
I see you.
FREE EBOOK & GUIDED PLAN FOR THOSE WHO NEED MORE JOY AND HAPPINESS IN THEIR LIVES
The 7-Day Happiness Challenge:
A Smart Plan to Reclaim Your Spark
by Starla Fitch, MD
Boost your energy, increase mindfulness, and get happy!
Hi Starla, I think you are touching on a very core and vital concept about validation and humanity. I think that it helps to explain why listening is so crucial, not only to make an assessment but make a connection as another human being. I sometimes wonder if in some way our very existence depends on being heard? And maybe when we are connecting with our patients in this way we are also honoring the privilege of our work. So it makes sense that not doing this would erode the joy and meaning from it. Thanks for an inspiring read. I see you too!
Beth,
Thanks for your wise words. You are so correct. Listening is at the core of establishing relationships — with our patients, our friends, and our family. Blessings, my friend.