Substance abuse can affect doctors as well as patients. We explore the causes, warning signs, professional risks and treatment options available to physicians struggling with addiction.
From doctor wellbeing and workplace respect to burnout and bullying, we explore whether medical workforce culture is improving, and the challenges that remain.
Work–life balance in medicine isn’t just a personal challenge — it’s often shaped by the system itself. From long hours to training demands, doctors describe a profession where balance can be structurally hard to achieve.
For many doctors, retirement isn’t a simple question of age. From mounting workload and burnout to financial readiness and life beyond medicine, the decision to step away from clinical practice is often gradual — and deeply personal.
Substance abuse among doctors is more common than we realise, but help is available
Doctors can be deeply affected by the adverse events in their career. Staff peer support programs help to remind doctors that they are not alone.
Professional courtesy (providing free or discounted health care to doctor-patients and their families) is a long-held medical tradition. While it may lower barriers to health care, there can also be drawbacks. Open discussion about professional courtesy between the treating doctor and their doctor-patient is important.
In medicine, we’re good at showing up to do the work no matter what. But we’re far less skilled at saying, “I’m not okay.”
The World Medical Association is taking steps to put doctors’ wellbeing front and centre with a review of their Statement on Physicians’ Wellbeing, writes Professor Steve Robson.
