From the Lown Institute: “When the majority of health professionals are experiencing feelings of exhaustion, disillusionment, detachment, and depression, could this possibly be a problem that individuals can solve? Absolutely not. […]
Clinicians have previously pointed out the systemic nature of exhaustion and depression among health care workers. In a Youtube video this week, Dr. Zubin Damania (aka ZDoggMD) argues that the term ‘burnout’ mischaracterizes the issue, and furthers the status quo (Warning: This video contains strong language).
‘Burnout is a kind of victim shaming,’ explains Damania. ‘It’s saying, you’re not resourceful enough, you’re not strong enough, to adapt to a system.’
Damania cites Dr. Simon Talbot and Dr. Wendy Dean’s usage of the term ‘moral injury’ to describe what happens when health care workers who are following a calling to help others confront a system that cares only about profit. Our health care system ‘is the opposite of what [clinicians’] morality tells them they need to do for patients,’ says Damania.”