Part 3: Navigating the Emotional Depths of Medicine with Dr. Danny Eiferman
Supporting Your Peers
Medical complications and adverse outcomes are inevitable in medicine. When a colleague experiences such a setback, the instinct to rush in and offer help is strong. However, Dr. Danny Eiferman offers valuable insights into how to effectively support doctors in times of need, while also highlighting strategies for physicians to aid in their own healing.
“When a colleague has a bad outcome or a complication, the natural tendency is to run in and say, how can I help,” Eiferman explained. “And I'm going to ask you not to do that.”
Instead, he suggests taking proactive steps to help without burdening the affected individual further. By actively engaging in supportive actions, such as arranging a coffee outing or writing handwritten letters, colleagues can offer tangible support without adding to the emotional load of the person in distress.
Eiferman also discourages phrases like "it could be worse" or "count your blessings," as these phrases often fail to provide meaningful comfort. Instead, he advocates for a more proactive approach by encouraging individuals to reflect on their active contributions. By recognizing the positive impact they have made on others' lives, doctors can find solace in their ability to make a difference, even in the face of adversity.
One practical strategy recommended by Eiferman is the maintenance of a "nice book," where physicians compile notes of gratitude from patients, colleagues, or loved ones. This tangible reminder of their positive influence serves as a source of encouragement during challenging times and reinforces their sense of purpose in the medical profession. This can further aid in a physicians’ mental healing.
“One other thing that helps me quite a bit to get back up in and help the next patient is an analogy that one of my professors in business school gave me.” Eiferman said.
The Ribbon Analogy
The surgeon explains, just as pulling a green ribbon from a bucket of mostly red ribbons does not necessarily indicate a flawed process, a negative medical outcome does not always reflect inadequacy on the part of the physician. By assessing the quality of their decision-making and clinical processes, doctors can uphold their professional integrity while dealing with unexpected outcomes.
Supporting a colleague following a medical complication can be difficult, but focusing on offering tangible steps to provide support can really make a difference. Whether you or a colleague are struggling following a medical complication, Eiferman explains implementing some of the strategies above can aid in maintaining a positive mindset. Physicians should know they are not alone and seeking additional assistance from peer support programs can also be helpful.
We want to remind you that if you or a colleague are in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself, please call or text 988.