Dilemma Of Overworked Junior Doctors

 I opine in every field and work system there will be some form of bullying.

It is not only in Medical Fraternity!

Bullying should be defined clearly in medical field.

As it can be pressure of work itself, can be considered a form of bullying by some of them.

Why said so?

Because as a doctor, we cannot stop our work at 5pm and walk off like any other type of work.

If a new patient admitted or collapsed the involved doctor has to be there to do the necessary treatment for that moment, though the other working colleagues around the vicinity.Beside, even the dr who is in attendance won't leave the patient, as his/her conscience will trouble them.

It is a common occurrences in medical practice.

Do you considered it bullying or pressure of work?

Second scenario, the younger doctor has overlooked a treatment which is very important to the patients.

If this dr being reprimanded or taught the standard of care.

Is it considered bullying?

In medical practice the personnels involved in dealing with life and death situation is like working in war zone the impulse of medical personnels reaction.

Right decision at appropriate time brings the best outcome of the patients.

If the drs told in stern tone or form during that moment.

Is it considered bullying?

I agree there is really stress of work as doctor in MOH with lots of patients to attend with at most care to be given.

If there is lack of passion or empathy by the doctors involved.

It can be stressful to the individual and can be translated as bullying by the doctors.

There is a lot for MOH to improve on it rather than lip service and knee jerk response.

Also need to balance with current generation of doctors who are concern of quality of worklife for their well being rather than pushing them to be service provider.

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2nd View

True agreed .. 

I have to say, ofcourse bullying happens. 

Your scenarios are only reflecting ideal scenarios where it can be justified ..only because social media exist and times have changed the other side of the stories are being put out there to improve the system.

 I cannot deny that there are more scenarios which can be translated to bullying and power abuse..ofcourse we generally became better when we work in a rough and tough environment.

The bitter truth is system isnt perfect and so are the individuals manning it…. Service can be provided better if their welfare looked into as they are the future of the system.... cause right now the brain drain is real.

A Consultant today can sit at home today and receive updates via whatsapp etc.. back then they couldnt .. times have certainly changed .. those leading the system have to follow suit ..you are certainly right .. a lot MOH has to do to improve.

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3rd View

I do not understand why some of these junior doctors whine about having to work extra hours. That is quite normal in our everyday life as a clinician. If you want to work office hours only, you can go to work at the health clinics or take up administration posts. You don't have to work in a hospital.

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4th View

Can’t agree more. 

Young doctors nowadays prioritise quality of life and work life balance above all. 

Almost all tell that they did not expect medical life to be this busy. Despite their interest in surgery when coming in, they tend to change their minds when leaving. 

They say they don’t want a future like us surgeons. As they see us in the hospital all the time, weekends included. 

They don’t see that we have families too. 

They want 8-5 job. If that is what they wanted, they should not have to study so hard and spend so much money through medical school. 

Work stress and long hours goes for all professionals. Not just in medical. 

They are young, naive, and haven’t seen the world enough.

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5th View

 Passion and empathy is much lacking these days.

 Doctors don't strive like they use to do back in the days just to see the patient go home well.

 These days.. its all about themselves, about their mental health and their worklife balance.

Back in those days Doctors had to time to think about their mental health or even family

But i guess times have change and people have evolved.

We must adapt to survive!

 Its not the smartest or the strongest survived but rather the one who can adapt well survived.

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6th View

Whether a person is being bullied, or being given appropriate pressure to enhance training is always a matter of perspective. A person with underlying depression, personality disorder, low self esteem will have much difficulty to deal with normal level of stress, while a tried and tested person with certain optimal coping mechanism will be able to excel under duress. It is never fair to judge everyone the same as everyone has different underlying mentality and also life experience which influence their ability to deal with problems and stress.

Are we trying to decide how can we measure objectively and create a system wide definition and protocol on how much pressure to exert on doctors who are under training? Is it feasible? Is it possible?

We need to understand and accept that every trainee has different level of stress coping ability and respond differently to different levels of stress.

And as such, having a few incidence of trainees complaining about bullying, does not necessasrily mean they are bullied, it can be due to other personal factors. Of course undeniably there are incidences of bullying is real. But anyhow, our response to all the complains must be at appropriate and moderate, rather than extreme and provocative.

We need to maintain a certain level of training to achieve desired optimal competency and professionalism. We just need to accept that it is balance against possibility of encountering trainees who are unable to cope with the standard level of stress and requirement, and provide them with viable alternatives, before they harm themselves or anyone along the way.

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7th View

True that many has taken the vow very lightly. Only a hand full can true devote time and patience. Not complaining even if they have to walk a thousand steps to have things done. These are the doctors who are unconditionally dedicated to their calling. Having complimented these doctors, it would be worth mentioning and crediting my teachers who have given us their many hours after the final bell. Never had I heard them complained nor looked at their watches, while tending to students' numerous questions, tandrums and antics. These are the people who served beyond what is in the book. They serve cause they love the job. They serve because that's what they would want others to treat their children or elderly. To these dedicated doctors and teachers, you have my gratitude and many thanks. You have made the world a better place.