Professional Burn Out – Am I Enough?

Behind every committed professional is the quietly disconcerting question “Am I enough?”

Our profession is full of them; harm avoidant, reward dependent, goal orientated individuals.  However in remote practice, these effective traits can lead to frustration and burn out.  Supporting systems are still in development, recruitment and retention is difficult and workforce shortages restrict ideal models of care.  Shifting roles and responsibilities with unclear expectations and excessive workload are risk factors and common challenges in remote medicine.  The usual response is to try harder.  We work longer hours, take on more responsibility, fill the gaps, often at great personal cost.

https://www.racgp.org.au/Education/Curriculum/Doctors’-health

We work in challenging environments with multiple risk factors for professional burn out.  Acceptance of our limitations within such environments is an important protective exercise, and yes colleagues: You are enough.