Illness doesn't belong to us

Abstract

There has been little research in Britain into the experiences of doctors who are ill. We conducted in-depth interviews with 64 doctors of all grades with a recent illness lasting one month or more. Whether the illness was physical or psychiatric, many expressed the idea that illness is inappropriate for doctors. This idea is a cultural value among doctors which is reinforced by the organization of medical work. It discourages doctors from seeking and obtaining appropriate help when they are ill.