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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

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