Does humanity in healthcare still exist? It’s a question worth asking in today’s high-pressure medical landscape.
For many of us in medicine, the journey began with a calling—a deep sense of purpose to heal, to help, and to connect. Over time, the system seems to erode that sense of purpose. Rigorous training, relentless workloads, lawsuits, and the demands of modern healthcare have taken their toll, leaving many providers feeling disconnected from the humanity that drew them to the field in the first place.
More than ever, we see physicians setting boundaries that did not exist a generation ago. They are less willing to work excessive hours and more willing to leave the profession entirely when the cost to their well-being becomes too great. Meanwhile, patients—frustrated and often distrustful—demand care that may conflict with evidence-based practices. This growing divide between caregivers and the people they serve raises a critical question: How do we move forward?
A patient’s family member looked me in the eye and said, “I do not trust you. You are just part of the system.” It was a gut punch.
I remember a moment early in my career that still haunts me.
A patient’s family member looked me in the eye and said, “I do not trust you. You are just part of the system.”
It was a gut punch. Here I was, trying to give my all, and yet the broader failings of healthcare had eroded the trust this family had in me.
At the time, I struggled with pride in my profession and fear of the system, wondering how we had reached such a state. That experience became a turning point, forcing me to reflect on what it truly means to care for someone—not just medically, but as a human being.
That reflection deepened years later during my mother’s illness. As her daughter and a physician, I witnessed firsthand how broken the system can be.
Despite my belief in not leveraging my title, I found myself repeatedly using it to ensure she received the care she deserved. There were moments when residents dismissed her concerns until I intervened, saying, “I am a doctor, and I train residents. Your residents are not listening to their patients.” There were times when I had to challenge decisions, call colleagues, or explain test results to ensure she was not overlooked.
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On my birthday, as she rapidly decompensated, a resident provided only basic updates.
Her cardiologist stepped in, saying, “No, she is a doctor. She deserves a more thorough update.”
It was a stark reminder of the privilege my title afforded—a privilege not available to countless patients without such an advocate. In her final days, I fought for her to have dignified care, arguing with staff and ensuring her wishes were respected.
While I have no regrets about using my title to advocate for her, I deeply regret the necessity of it. I was her daughter, yet the system forced me into the role of gatekeeper, fighting for basic humanity and respect in her care.
While some organizations have acknowledged these challenges, many of their solutions fall short. Forced wellness programs, mandatory yoga sessions, and token PTO days do not address the root causes of burnout. These superficial fixes often feel like yet another burden rather than a path to relief. What is truly needed is systemic change—solutions that address the structural and cultural barriers to emotional well-being in healthcare.
This is not just about fixing burnout; it is about fostering a healthcare system that supports both its providers and its patients. It is about creating environments where trust can grow, where providers feel empowered to practice meaningful medicine, and where patients feel heard and respected.
It was a stark reminder of the privilege my title afforded—a privilege not available to countless patients without such an advocate.
Reimagining the Future of Healthcare
To move forward, we must focus on three critical areas:
- Rebuilding Humanity: Recognizing and addressing the systemic forces that strip away emotional intelligence and connection in healthcare. Providers need space and support to rediscover their purpose and compassion.
- Transforming the System: Moving beyond superficial wellness initiatives to create meaningful, systemic changes that promote balance, resilience, and sustainable careers for healthcare professionals.
- Restoring Trust: Bridging the gap between patients and providers by fostering transparent communication, setting realistic expectations, and focusing on evidence-based care that respects patient autonomy.
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Humanity in healthcare is not gone, but it is in jeopardy.
By reimagining how we support our providers and connect with our patients, we can build a system where care is not only delivered but truly felt by all.
(This article touches on a topic – whether or not to use your title as a doctor at a family’s medical visit – discussed in our premiere “The Six” episode, which you can watch or listen to here.)
