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A big point that is missed from this article is the accompanying of potential negative comments (or independent of them) with mistreatment (verbal/physical put downs making students feel lesser). Mistreatment had a much larger impact on my mental health during medical school than worrying whether a therapeutic would work or not for a patient (medical students do not have much authority/independence as all health decisions they suggest are screened through their attendings/residents before incorporation). Sure, I was concerned about my patients. I found peace in internalizing that the medical team could only do their best for them. Concern for abuse from individuals who determine my career prospects was also a major stressor.

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Julian Willett, MD, PhD
Julian Willett, MD, PhD

Written by Julian Willett, MD, PhD

Loving husband. Physician scientist who enjoys spreading his knowledge and experiences with the world whether related to medicine, science, or his hobbies.

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