Supervision for superheroes: the case for reflective professional supervision for senior doctors

The practice of medicine is inherently stressful with regular exposure to trauma and the distress of others. There is a culture in medicine that doctors should not be affected by such things, although it is well recognised that doctors have higher rates of depression, anxiety, suicide, and substance abuse than the general public. Reflective professional supervision is a forum where the complexities of the interpersonal interactions that underpin the provision of healthcare can be explored in a supportive and confidential setting. It is argued that this is a process that should continue for the duration of a doctor's career, with potential benefits including enhanced job satisfaction and resilience, better workplace communication and improved interpersonal skills.