EP139: Good Enough: Redefining Standards for Doctors and Mothers

The Emotional Realities of Medicine: Conversation with Dr. Caroline Elton In this insightful episode, Dr. Caroline Elton, author of Also Human, explores the psychological and emotional challenges that doctors face due to high societal expectations and insufficient mental health support. The discussion addresses how these pressures contribute to burnout and the importance of recognizing and accepting imperfections, akin to the concept of a "good enough mother". Dr. Elton sheds light on the stresses of balancing a medical career with personal life, particularly for female physicians, and the cultural pressures within medical training and hospitals. The episode also delves into the necessity of emotional detachment for medical professionals, the concept of "splitting", and the value of systematic, confidential mental health support. It emphasizes the role of senior clinicians in reducing mental health stigma and advocates for open discussions about mistakes and personal growth, benefiting both doctors and their younger colleagues. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:06 The Unrealistic Expectations on Doctors 02:08 Psychological Impact on Doctors 02:34 The Concept of "Good Enough" 05:14 Gendered Challenges in Medicine 08:02 Medical Culture and Psychological Toll 11:38 The Concept of Splitting in Medical Training 12:34 The Importance of Reflective Practice 13:02 Group Reflection and Its Impact 13:37 The Role of Feedback in Medical Practice 14:50 Addressing Physician Mental Health 16:46 Support Systems for Doctors 19:00 The Importance of Second Chances 20:04 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 21:02 Final Thoughts and Reflections