Addressing shame: what role does shame play in the formation of a modern medical professional identity?

Abstract

Shame is a highly prevalent, though rarely discussed, emotion experienced by trainee doctors. Seeking to avoid the pain of shame can cause significant distress and maladaptive behaviours. However, it plays a key role in helping doctors identify their moral values which, in turn, form the basis of their medical professional identity. This article uses personal doctors’ narratives together with sources from sociology, psychology and medical education to address shame as experienced by medical trainees – its causes, effects and remedies that doctors and medical educators can use to neutralise its malign effects.