Episode #61: “Support with other physicians = non-negotiable!” Dr. Sarah Wittry & Dr. MaryAnn Wilbur

Dr. Sarah Wittry, hospice and palliative care physician, continues, “I find it to be the most continuously positive thing for me to do!”Dr. MaryAnn Wilbur, gynecology oncology surgeon by training, shares, “You have value just because you are you; that is really important for people to hear! We discuss the practice of medicine regarding both staying and leaving. MaryAnn shares what prompted her to leave clinical work and write her book, “The Doctor Is No Longer In: conversations with physicians about why they are quitting.” Sarah shares her story of burnout, how she moved forward, and how she is empowering other physician moms who are staying in medicine. MaryAnn says of her advocacy mission, “I do this because I want it to work…for all of us. This is a story of hope and future and progress and what we are going to do to make things better!” Sarah adds, “You always have more choices than you think you do. It’s possible to create a life that really fills you up and lets you do the things you want to do.” MaryAnn describes characteristics that make physicians particularly vulnerable to burnout. She explains the term “enmeshment,” and offers her personal story. Sarah describes how she had all the risk factors for burnout, the perfect storm, and how it affected her at work and at home. It was such a relief when she uncovered, “It’s not all me!” MaryAnn adds, “Everybody I talk to needs validation; it’s one of the most important things!” Speaking to our involvement with Medicine Forward (MF), we all know that we need doctors, and MF is a terrific source for support, resources, and community!