Doctor gratitude: A framework and practical suggestions

摘要

Sarah was depressed. After being fired for a minor indiscretion, she was unable to find work. Sarah confided in her doctor, BA (one of the authors), who encouraged her to explain early in her next interview what had happened at her last job and how skilled she is at her work. Sarah took his advice and was able to find a job. Her gratitude for this advice made BA grateful to have been in a position to help her. What motivates a physician? Financial reward programs risk undermining the motivation within doctors to engage in challenging activities. Could doctors' gratitude for their work inspire their performance and reclaim authentic meaning for medicine? Doctors are often silent on their own gratitude, In a growing culture of entitlement, they seldom openly discuss their gratitude for the opportunity to practise medicine.