The Pulse | From mistakes to depression, anonymous support groups are tackling physician’s mental health

LISTEN NOW

Pediatrician Joe Sherman was working at an outpatient pediatric clinic — decades into his career — when he realized that juggling the demands of teaching, completing administrative work, and taking care of patients was becoming totally overwhelming.

“The more that I tried to make up for deficiencies within the system I was working, I became more and more anxious. The more disconnected I became, the more dissociated I became a bit. And that becomes very distracting,” Sherman said.

He couldn’t keep up. Even his commute was impaired.

“I can tell you at the peak of my anxiety that I was experiencing, I had fender benders. I would be driving down the street, and in my mind, would be in three different places worrying about things, and all of a sudden, [crash]. Nothing dangerous, but I just wasn’t paying attention.”

Click here to keep reading.

Joe Sherman, MD is a pediatrician, professional development coach, and consultant to individuals and healthcare organizations in the areas of cross-cultural medicine, leadership, and provider well-being. His mission is to help health professionals rediscover the joy of practicing medicine. Reach him at joe@joeshermanmd.com