Contrary to popular widespread belief, physicians do not have a cushy job.

We aren’t in charge, like you may think we are.

I read a tweet the other day, in fact, that so succinctly summarized that sentiment. The tweeter had tagged somedocs, so I came across this site, and am so glad I did, because I can now vent, without having to state my name.

That’s the reality in which we’re living, as physicians. We have to share our truths while in hiding, lest we suffer potential repercussions.

Here’s what the tweet said:

Physicians, do NOT let admins and midlevels condemn you for asking for what you deserve and worked SO hard for. They count on our selfless nature. That is a stratergy [sic] to marginalize and silence you. You can’t care for people if you don’t care for yourself.

It’s time to speak up about this very scary reality. Physicians aren’t the only ones who will suffer from what admins are demanding we do. Patients, too, will suffer.

As patients, you have the right to know exactly what is taking place in healthcare, who takes care of you, and whether they have sufficient training to do so. But the opaque ways in which businesses now run healthcare force physicians to do things they’re not comfortable with. By taking over charge, they’ve prioritized making medicine into a business, and not into the primarily healing space that it should be.

Please help us speak up. Help us to advocate for the rights of physicians who dedicate their lives to care. Raise your voice to let the world know that you see what’s happening in the field of healthcare and that you want to prioritize physician-led care.

I’m not sure how we fix this. But I know I had to put my feelings into words. Thank you for ph moshing and circulating. Thank you for this space.