The path from a wide-eyed intern to a seasoned surgeon is a marathon! Only the most patient ones stay positive through the madness. There’s learning, self-sacrifice and plenty of ambiguity in the mix. When I reflect on my own residency, the phrase ‘sleepless nights’ barely scratches the surface. It was a relentless battle against exhaustion.

Coffee kept us awake, even as we wondered whether we would remember what we learnt from new cases. We had to be sponges, absorbing knowledge at an astonishing rate, but also chameleons shifting from case to case, unreactive to the raw, unfiltered reality of human suffering and mortality. Personal lives took a backseat, hobbies faded, and often, the joy of fresh warm food was replaced by refrigerated food. ‘Self-compromise’ is a silent agreement every young medical resident makes, to prioritise the well-being of others above their own. The transition to becoming a senior surgeon doesn’t lighten the load; it merely shifts its nature.

The technical demands remain; what is added is soft qualities like leadership, integrity and the emotional toll of critical decisions. You’re not just responsible for the lives you’re operating on, but also the training and guidance of the next generation of doctors.

This is why the theme for Doctors Day 2025, ‘Behind the Mask: Caring for Caregivers’, is absolutely critical, yet tragically often overlooked in our profession. We are expected to be stoic, infallible, equipped with unwavering competence. But beneath that mask, every doctor is a human being grappling with immense pressure, grief, and sometimes, profound moral distress.

Are there any indicators for young doctors from their seniors? My view is that it is not about being immune to the stresses; it’s about developing robust coping mechanisms such as:

Support systems: This is paramount. It’s not just about family, but also a network of trusted colleagues who lean on each other for debriefing difficult cases, sharing experiences, and simply being there when the weight becomes too much.

Prioritising micro-breaks: Even short bursts of time dedicated to something outside of medicine — exercise, reading, spending time in nature, pursuing a creative outlet — can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Self-awareness: Recognising the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue early is crucial. Seek therapy if needed.

Mentorship: Paradoxically, investing in the next generation can be a powerful coping mechanism. Sharing your knowledge and experience, seeing young doctors grow, can provide a profound sense of purpose and fulfilment.

For young doctors starting out, your patients will be your greatest teachers and often your best marketeers. Give them undivided attention and empathy they deserve.

Whatever little time you get to eat, choose a balanced healthy diet. Practice Yoga to rejuvenate yourself with 10 minute breaks; a well-rested mind is a more effective mind. Integrate small, sustainable practices into your daily or weekly routine from the very beginning. Smoking and alcohol accelerate your burnout.

On the toughest days, reconnect with the reason you chose to become a doctor. Remember the lives you’ve saved and reward yourself a healthy lifestyle.

The writer is Chairman, Asian Heart Institute

Published on July 1, 2025