Egotism

The only time I’ve ever heard the word “ego” used was in healthcare. The first time was with an orthopedic surgeon mentor I had back in medical school who said that it was a big problem in that particular specialty, and the second time was a friend accusing me of being egotistical when I was recounting certain events that had transpired with my experience in medicine, and how I felt that I was a bit wronged. He suggested it rather casually, but said it nonetheless. I would like to think that I’m not an egotistical person on the whole, but he is entitled to his opinion–he is the physician after all.

Egotism is formally defined as the state of being excessively conceited, or absorbed in oneself. And, just by looking at the social media accounts of some of these medical influencers, it’s not hard to see why this could be an issue in a sector where the job has essentially been elevated by popular media into superhero status. After all, physicians quite literally save lives. Yet, the reality is, the job of the physician is not as glamorous and foolproof as it is made out to be on the screens. Without experiencing the inhumane work hours, the stale hospital food, the sometimes uncomfortable temperatures and smells of the wards, and the all too common mistreatment of trainees, the average person is far removed from the realities and inefficiencies of what it means to be a US physician. Thus, society perhaps is unknowingly stroking the egos of some of these doctors at the detriment of the profession.

I recall, for instance, watching a YouTube video of a popular medical influencer who adamantly stated with full confidence that physicians have no blame in the current US healthcare crisis. How can that be true when physicians represent an integral and significant part of that system? I’m not saying all physicians are bad and are worthy of blame, but this sort black-and-white and all-or-nothing type of statement is an example of some of the egotism present in healthcare. After all, physicians are human beings, not superheroes, and all capable of erring just like the rest of us. I think for the US healthcare system to realistically improve, there needs to be a dose of humility on a cultural level.