Are You Addicted to Drama? ??

I walked into my residency as an intern well-schooled in hard knocks; but it was clear from the start that I had been thrown into a lion's den. Our cohort was only the second to enter this program, and the seniors, having never been in a position to guide or mentor to that extent in medicine, acted more like predators than teachers.

Every error we made was exaggerated, blown out of proportion. They didn't miss a beat in showcasing their dominance. They shouted, chastised us openly, and teamed up against us at any given chance. Their approach wasn't subtle. It was raw and direct, intending to make us feel worthless and full of shame for every perceived infraction.

There was talk of a "resident family" when I joined, but that was far from reality. Instead of support and unity, we were subjected to relentless drama and power plays. Their need to constantly assert dominance overshadowed any chance of camaraderie. We weren't colleagues; we were their daily entertainment, their chance to flex and parade their seniority.

Even now, as an attending, I continue to witness the games and power plays that plague the halls of the hospital. The dynamic hasn't changed much; it’s just taken on a different facade. There's still the incessant whispering in hushed tones, colleagues speaking ill of one another once their backs are turned. It's no longer just about the green interns or residents; now, it's about peers tearing each other down, sometimes subtly and other times, brazenly.

And the temper-tantrums? They're even more pronounced. With higher stakes at this level, the smallest disagreements or issues can spark major outbursts. It's alarming to see seasoned professionals lose their composure over trivial matters. These episodes aren't just reserved for behind closed doors either. They play out in corridors, meeting rooms, and even at times, in front of patients.

In many ways, the transition from a resident to an attending merely shifted the landscape. The underlying politics and the need for dominance persist, only now, it comes with higher stakes and a broader audience. One would hope that with more experience and responsibility, maturity and professionalism would prevail, but the harsh reality suggests otherwise. The battleground has merely expanded.

Look in the Mirror

In the dynamic realm of medicine, you, as a woman physician, constantly straddle the line between urgent patient care situations and the nuances of workplace dynamics, societal pressures, and personal ambitions. While it's not accurate or fair to blanket-label all women physicians as drama-seeking, it's undeniable that some might lean into drama, perhaps as a coping mechanism or due to the high-intensity nature of the profession.

Do you give in to the pressure? Do you seek the drama to keep your interest or to give you the perception of being a powerful woman that no one should mess with?

The Allure of Drama: Recognizing the Signs

1. Understanding the Attraction: High-pressure environments like medicine can sometimes blur the lines between necessary urgency and drama. For some, the rush, the intensity, or even the attention that comes with drama can become addictive.
2. Validation Through Drama: In challenging, often male-dominated sectors, standing out or being heard can feel like an uphill task. Drama can, unfortunately, become a way for some to claim space and voice.
3. The Passion Misconception: While many women physicians are genuinely passionate about their work, it's crucial to distinguish between authentic passion and a penchant for drama.

Consistent Action: Your Anchor to Growth

Amidst the whirlwinds, there's unmatched power in steady, daily tasks:

1. Routine Procedures: These repetitive tasks are growth opportunities in disguise. Each time you engage, you refine skills and accrue wisdom.
2. Patient Interactions: Every discussion, regardless of its routine nature, deepens your ability to connect, diagnose, and heal.
3. Continuous Learning: With medicine's ever-evolving nature, the consistent engagement in learning, though less dramatic, shapes your expertise.

Balancing Drama with Consistency

It's about finding a balance, leveraging the rush of the intense moments while rooting in the transformative power of consistency:

1. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: This helps you differentiate between actual crises and unnecessary drama, allowing you to react with wisdom and calm.
2. Foster Supportive Networks: Engaging with fellow women physicians offers perspective. They can help point out when you might be veering towards drama and offer strategies to refocus.
3. Value Both Sides: Recognize that while the high-intensity moments might provide adrenaline rushes, true growth often lies in the consistent, less dramatic actions.

In essence, while the medical field, with its inherent urgency, might make drama an easy pitfall, your growth as a woman physician is most deeply rooted in the consistent, often understated actions. Embracing both the highs and the steady rhythm of daily tasks will pave a balanced, fulfilling path forward.

DM me if you are ready to make real, sustainable change

#AthenaTough #drama #mentalhealth #womenphysicians