Part 2: Navigating the Emotional Depths of Medicine with Dr. Danny Eiferman
In a recent interview with Dr. Danny Eiferman, a Critical Care Surgeon at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the intricacies of a physician's mental landscape when facing medical complications were brought to light. Dr. Eiferman delved into the psychological aspects, outlining what occurs in the minds of physicians during challenging times.
He began by emphasizing a well-known psychological phenomenon – losses hurt more than gains. Dr. Eiferman introduced the concept of the "Three P's", which he says encapsulates the psychological response to adverse events in the medical field.
“First, you need to understand that when you have these [negative] feelings of anxiety, guilt, shame, depression, embarrassing it, that actually is normal, Dr. Eiferman explained. “That means you're a human being.”
The first "P" is personalization. When confronted with a medical complication, physicians often internalize the blame, feeling a personal responsibility for the outcome. Dr. Eiferman notes some physicians may say, "Something I did caused this problem," leading to associated feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment.
The second "P" is pervasiveness, which extends the impact of a medical complication beyond professional realms into personal life. Dr. Eiferman explained, "Because I had a bad complication, I'm a bad surgeon. That also must mean I'm a bad doctor, husband, father, and friend." This pervasive thinking can spiral out of control, affecting various facets of a physician's life.
“If you felt great after some awful complication, that actually would be in the abnormal spectrum.” Dr. Eifermen explained.
The last "P" is permanence, reflecting the belief that the repercussions of a medical complication will endure indefinitely. Dr. Eiferman highlights the fear that physicians may never recover professionally, with the stigma of a complication shadowing them throughout their careers.
Addressing the challenge of overcoming the three P's, Dr. Eiferman offers valuable insights. First, he normalizes the emotional response, stating that feelings of anxiety, guilt, shame, and depression are inherent to being human. Understanding that these emotions are a normal reaction can bring comfort to physicians.
Secondly, Dr. Eiferman underscores the importance of peer support in combating the three P's. He emphasizes that talking to colleagues and leaning on a support network is crucial. The power of peer support, especially from those who understand the unique challenges of the medical profession, has been shown to be the most effective way to help a colleague navigate difficult times. It’s part of the reason Dr. Eiferman got involved with Columbus Medical Association’s Doc to Doc peer support program.
“Somebody who does what you do has the greatest ability to help you grow your resilience.” Dr. Eiferman noted.
In essence, Dr. Eiferman's insights shed light on the often-overlooked aspect of physicians' mental well-being when confronted with medical complications. Acknowledging these psychological challenges and fostering a culture of peer support can play a pivotal role in promoting resilience and recovery within the medical community.
*The interview with Dr. Eiferman is a three-part series. In the last edition Dr. Eiferman will talk about how you can support your colleagues in a time of need. We are excited for you to follow along with us!*