Is being a doctor “just a job”?
BMJ 2017; 359 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j5257 (Published 14 November 2017) Cite this as: BMJ 2017;359:j5257
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This is an inspiring piece, and I second Dr. Adrian Thomas' channeling our medical saint, William Osler, who commented extensively on this topic. I keep this quote nearby in my office lest I forget why I am a physician: "The practice of medicine is an art, not a trade: a calling not a business; a calling in which your heart will be exercised equally with your head. Often the best part of your work will have nothing to do with powders or potions, but with the exercise of an influence of the strong upon the weak, of the righteous upon the wicked, the wise upon the foolish…..Courage and cheerfulness will not only carry you over the rough places of life, but will enable you to bring comfort and help to the weak-hearted, and will console you in the sad hours when, like Uncle Toby, you have ‘to whistle that you may not weep’."
Competing interests: No competing interests
The view expressed by Iain Brassington about the practice of medicine that “Huh? It’s just a job, mate. Get over it,” and discussed by Daniel Sokol (Ethics Man, 14 November) is concerning. To see medicine in this light is reductionist to say the least. The body is not simply a machine, and doctors are not mechanics. Sir William Osler, the great physician, stated that the mission of doctors is of the highest and of the noblest kind, and had many facets. Doctors have ideals, and Osler thought that these should be realizable. Osler saw that there were some doctors who worked only for money, and whose ears heard only the jingling of coins, however he knew that these were the exception. The rank and file of doctors labour earnestly for the good of patients, for education, and for preventing the spread of disease. Osler knew that most doctors are self-sacrificing in their devotion to the interests of their patients, and that this is what animates their daily work. If medicine is just a job, then doctors may become little more than agents of the state, and this has led to disastrous consequents such as medical involvement in torture and human rights abuses. No matter what is said, we all know deep down that medicine is never just a job, and that if this happens then something very precious is lost.
Competing interests: No competing interests
As a recent medical graduate I have only experienced a short period of working yet am already certain that it is far from “just a job”. “Normal jobs” have regular office hours with no requirement or moral duty to extend beyond this; the tasks are largely predictable and almost never venture into discussions surrounding life and death.
In medicine, every day is a humbling experience. Patients and their relatives place an enormous level of trust in you and your team’s ability. At only twenty-four years old, I have sat with individuals as they are given life-altering news, cared for numerous critically ill patients and been involved in several resuscitations, some of which were unsuccessful. When I compare this to my peers who graduated in other professions, the out of hours commitments may be similar but the emotional resilience required at such an early stage certainly isn’t. As I progress through my career, I will endeavour to maintain perspective on my job, but I sincerely hope that my respect and value for the profession is unchanged.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Throughout medical school and further training we are repeatedly advised to develop our hobbies and interests outside of medicine and take the time to “get away from medicine” from time to time. When sentiments like medicine being a “calling” or more than “just a job” are broadcast, it flies in the face of this advice.
Having had the experience of a career outside of medicine before entering the profession I can assure you that finding fulfilment in your work, or having work hanging over you is not unique to medicine. Devoting your entire waking moment to a job and having that define you strikes me as a very shallow existence.
I love medicine, it’s a fascinating, deep and ever changing job. But it remains that. Just a job.
Competing interests: No competing interests
Re: Is being a doctor “just a job”?
Despite the fact that responding to articles in the BMJ is so time consuming I really want to say how much I agree with what you have said .....especially the reference to our sharing deeply intimate moments with people who would otherwise be total strangers.
Competing interests: No competing interests