As a future physician, you may have to deal with the death of a patient. How will you professionally cope with this reality?

Question

Rachelle Enns · Accepted Answer

"I recently read a paper by Dr. Lea Baider and Dr. Simon Wein on the realities of physicians facing death regularly. The paper suggested that physicians who are successful in dealing with death at appropriate times compartmentalize the events of their day. The paper went on to say that if a physician is to split the mechanics of the problem from the emotional side, the physician can continue to function without emotions getting in the way. I think this is a good recommendation, but it is also important to choose an appropriate time to address those emotions. This could mean having a mentor or counselor I could visit regularly. Also, not internalizing a death or placing blame on myself for the event will be extremely important throughout my training and career."

Rachelle Enns · Answer

Some medical specialties have to deal with the loss of patients directly, while others don't have to as much. The reality is that medical students need to realize that this is a part of their job as future physicians. Your medical school interviewers want to know that you understand that facing death is a workplace reality for a physician.

Ryan Brunner · Answer

Assure the interviewers that you are capable of handling this reality regularly. You can discuss that you know this is part of the job and that you have the tools to handle this aspect of the job.

Dr. Rodman · Answer

"Losing a patient can be emotional, especially if you have been closely associated with his or her treatment. It is important to recognize that these feelings are normal and that medicine is an art, not an absolute science. Death is a natural occurrence and part of humanity. I think a constructive way to cope with patient loss is to reflect on the patient's treatment course, highlighting important events and strategies which can be used to improve care for future patients."

Anonymous User · Answer

"I need to reflect on my day before bed, and doing so has pushed me to ensure that nothing I do is left to chance. I know that I did my best to prevent death, but if such an unfortunate event happens, then I will accept it as part of life, and I would pray for the family, the way I've done for my relatives of hospice patients who have passed."

Anonymous User · Answer

"As a physician, I would strive to compartmentalize my job from my emotions. I realize that there will be times where a person's life or death will be out of my control, and to cope with that, I will face the fact that such events are not my fault; that they are natural. Physicians must separate their emotions from their work to care for patients properly. As for ways of dealing with these emotions, I think fostering strong support systems with family and friends to talk through such feelings would be integral for me."

Anonymous User · Answer

"Facing death is inevitable, and I will probably be heartbroken and very sad. However, to cope with this, I will try to keep a positive mindset and focus on the positives of my job, such as saving people's lives and helping others to avoid suffering and death. I believe if I focus on all the positive impacts I had on other people's life, this outweighs the death that I will face. I will also find peace in that I tried to do everything I could to save that person's life."

Anonymous User · Answer

"It is important as a physician to know when to take things personally and when they need to stay professional. I have been faced with a lot of death in my personal life, and I have learned how to cope with that. Although it is not easy, I am confident that I will be able to stay strong in the profession."

As a future physician, you may have to deal with the death of a patient. How will you professionally cope with this reality?

How to Answer: As a future physician, you may have to deal with the death of a patient. How will you professionally cope with this reality?

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43. As a future physician, you may have to deal with the death of a patient. How will you professionally cope with this reality?

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