Among physicians, there’s a noticeable surge in the practice of self-care. This week, a thought-provoking insight from Esko Kilpi, a management guru based in Helsinki, caught my attention on Twitter:

“Our moral structures have been built upon individualism, emphasizing self-fulfillment, self-actualization, and the notion of ‘fixing oneself.’ What we truly need is a relational mindset that highlights interdependence and connectivity.”

Could there be implications for the field of medicine in this perspective? One prevalent response to the burnout crisis is a fervent embrace of self-care. This concept, nearing buzzword status, advocates for a laser-focused approach where one prioritizes their own needs, shutting out external pressures. It suggests that nothing is more valuable than your own well-being and indulgence in personal comforts, epitomized by spa slippers and similar luxuries.

However, Kilpi’s insights prompt us to reconsider whether the solution to physician burnout lies within ourselves or within a broader community context. Perhaps, instead of focusing inwardly on self-care, we should explore the healing potential of collective care. Kilpi’s proposition challenges the prevailing narrative and urges us to shift our perspective from ‘me’ to ‘us’.

There’s merit in Kilpi’s perspective, suggesting that the future of medicine might be in embracing a “we care” ethos rather than solely relying on self-care.