The Plight of a Pedestaled Physician: Prostration and My Path to Resilience

OVERVIEW:

Physicians have historically held high esteem in society, but the ever changing financial, political, and social climate has impacted the practice of medicine and, ultimately, physician well-being. Dr. Ekeanya will share her personal path to becoming a physician, including her emotional struggles before and during medical school and psychiatry residency and how she found ways to balance her passion for practicing medicine and her own mental health. Dr. Ekeanya hopes that in sharing her story she can illuminate the harm in physicians hiding under a cloak of perfection and the benefit to society overall when physicians are perceived as healers and humans.

Speaker: Nora Nneka Ekeanya, DO

OBJECTIVES:

 Briefly review the history and perception of the medical profession in the United States

 Discuss the intersection of professionalism and capitalism

 Define "physician burnout" and give rates within the past ten years

 Define "resilience" and give practical advice for physicians practicing in a post-pandemic era

Expiration Date: December 31, 2026

The AOIA designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-A Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.