Are you your job or is your job something you do alongside the rest of your life?  

“Physician heal thyself” is often quoted from the Bible. Physicians themselves often still hold today a view that we shouldn’t get sick. 

Society also holds an opinion that doctors do not get sick –  and do not really have personal lives!  The act of entering medical school brings with  a culture of uniforms (the white coat), prescribed behaviours and expectations of commitment to learning and working long hours. 

We develop a concept of ‘the medical self’: which distances us from patients, allows us to do the work we do, to witness the suffering but also shuts a bit of us down. We can become over-invested in our medical identities and become a bit distanced from ourselves.  

This has some useful function in enabling us to do the work – but if our job is who we are then this in itself can cause problems when we meet challenges. Becoming a patient with a significant health condition (particularly one that interferes with our work), burnout, a serious complaint  can hit us harder because we’re suddenly not immortal and not who we thought we were.  

Wanting to change career or do something different can also feel that bit harder.  What if we weren’t a doctor?  It can take some imagining!  

Developing a fuller identity is both a happier way to enjoy life, a medical career and see yourself through the tougher times. But how do we do this if we have become overinvested in it all?  

An easy start is by the language that you use. We often say, ‘I am a doctor’ or ‘I am a surgeon.’ But you are not your job. How does it feel to say, ‘I am not my job’? Probably a bit strange. Try ‘I work as a doctor’ or something similar that gives a bit of distance between you and the job.

Secondly, write down all your other identities. What do we mean by this? Perhaps you are a parent, a sibling, a son or daughter. How does this play out in your life? Other things like hobbies or activities you do also count. Do you have a particular draw towards certain things eg are you a creative or adventurer. 

Thirdly, think about who you are in terms of your positive personal qualities. Our thoughts often gravitate towards being hard on ourselves so this can be tricky. Try to think what your positive qualities are and make a note of them. Another way to do this is to ask a friend. The answers might surprise you. 

Being what you have is another trap.

Imagine who you would be if you lived a simpler but fulfilling life. 

What would you do with your time?  

Who would you socialise with?

What would it be like? 

In the end, you are not just defined by your profession, but by your experiences, passions, and identities that make you whole.

Behind the stethoscope, there is a lot more to discover.