Who Is Your Doctor, Doctor?

The concept of physician self-care dates to the Bible (Luke 4:23) and is associated with better and more compassionate patient care, fewer errors, and improved retention and recruitment. Unfortunately, clinicians face many real and perceived barriers to obtaining routine health services.

In a survey of 299 residents across programs, hospitals, and specialties in New England, 35% reported not having a routine place for medical care, and only 43% had seen a primary care provider in the previous year. Residents without access to routine care were less likely to undergo routine medical screenings. Fully 38% of residents taking prescription medication did not have a medical provider. Although 76% of residents had seen a mental health provider in …