A Balanced Approach to Physician Responsibilities: Oncologists' Duties toward Themselves

Although critical to the provision of best patient care, physician self-care is an underattended aspect of responsibility in the medical professions, including oncology. Neglecting self-care bears negative consequences for the individual oncologist, ranging from burnout and fatigue to interpersonal and relationship stress, addiction, and disruptive behavior. It may also contribute to medical errors, disinterest in or depersonalization of patient care, and lower quality of care. Because of its effect on physicians, patients, and the health care environment, physician self-care is increasingly recognized as an important professional responsibility. Nonetheless, professional obligations, competing demands on time, and personal priorities conspire to prevent a large proportion of oncologists from adequately attending to self-care in even simple ways, such as getting sufficient exercise and sleep. This chapter discusses the need for physician self-care and the repercussions of not meeting this fundamental responsibility. Self-care is described in the context of three life domains: professional, personal (physical, psychological, mental, and spiritual), and interpersonal (relationships, family, social, and community). Strategies are provided for caring for the self in each domain.