“I found myself in a familiar yet discomforting scenario while assisting a new attending physician in a challenging case at Labor and Delivery. She confessed she hesitated to seek help from her peers, fearing she might inconvenience them. This reluctance persisted despite the evident need for assistance, leading the nursing staff to intervene and call for additional support. Reflecting on this incident, it struck me how easily this situation could have been prevented through prior communication or simply by empowering the nurses to request assistance when necessary.
Our nursing colleagues are consistently reminded to seek help whenever they require it, even to the extent of halting a surgical procedure if they feel unsupported. Yet, it appears that this culture of seeking assistance is not universally embraced by physicians, particularly those in the early stages of their careers. There seems to be a prevailing apprehension among residents and newly graduated doctors about appearing incompetent or weak by asking for help.
However, in a profession where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death, the importance of seeking assistance cannot be overstated. I often find myself needing to bounce ideas off colleagues or draw upon collective experiences to navigate complex clinical scenarios. Yet, there exists a pervasive stigma within the medical community, especially among trainees, that seeking help is a sign of inadequacy or failure.
I frequently encounter situations where residents hesitate to seek guidance on interpreting fetal heart monitor tracings or other clinical nuances, fearing they will be perceived as incompetent or incapable. Yet, I always stress the importance of trusting one’s instincts and seeking assistance when in doubt. This intuition, honed through years of study and collaboration, is a valuable asset in patient care.
While it may be uncomfortable to ask for help and endure the occasional judgmental glance from peers, fostering a culture that values and encourages seeking assistance is paramount. Mentorship programs pairing junior physicians with seasoned professionals can provide a supportive environment for learning and growth. Moreover, offering resources such as mental health support and stress management workshops can help mitigate the pressures of the profession.
As clinicians, we must acknowledge the inherent challenges of our profession and recognize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible care for our patients. By promoting a culture of collaboration and support, we can create a healthier and more resilient healthcare environment for all.”
- : public
