January 2005 · Vol. 17, No. 01The nightmare of litigation: A survivor’s true story
After being sued, David dreaded seeing patients and felt always on guard. He was ready to quit obstetrics. A physician mentor explains how David reclaimed his life.
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Fast Track
A physician’s life is a set-up for acute stress reaction. All too often, a lawsuit is the last straw
PTSD symptoms:
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Memories
Flashbacks, dreams
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Avoidance
of patients, detachment, numbness
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Arousal
Insomnia, difficulty concentrating, irritability, hypervigilance
Do not share your feelings with your lawyer. Consider seeing a psychotherapist trained to listen therapeutically
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Barry
Bub,
MDDirector and founder, Advanced Physician Awareness Training, Woodstock, NY. A psychotherapist and former practicing physician, Dr. Bub teaches and mentors health-care professionals on well-being, stress, and communication. He is the author of Communication Skills that Heal (Radcliffe Medical Press, 2005).
The author can be reached at docbarryB@aol.com. Web site: www.processmedicine.com
The author reports no relevant financial relationships.
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