Hello, Doctor Humans!
Today we’re sharing a new phrase we’ve termed for something so many doctors experience but have never had a name for - until now: medical ambivalence. It’s that feeling of loving medicine and yet sometimes hating it too.
This concept came from Becc’s recent experience of Maternal Ambivalence as a mother. When we’re doing hard things, it’s important we’re able to hold the duality of that, which means not making the ‘negative’ negate the positive.
We’re unpacking why those feelings can exist together, what they really mean, and how to tell the difference between a hard season in medicine and a deeper sign that something needs to change.
KEY POINTS
Medical ambivalence is the experience of having conflicting feelings about our career in medicine at the same time.
We can love being doctors and still feel tired, resentful, frustrated, or completely over it some days.
A difficult day at work does not automatically mean we are in the wrong career.
Sometimes the problem is not being a doctor itself, but the healthcare system, workload, rosters, lack of breaks, sleep deprivation, and constant pressure.
Training years can shape how we see medicine, especially when we have very little control over our schedule or workload.
Our brains can quickly turn one bad experience into a much bigger conclusion like, “Maybe I’m not meant to be a doctor.”
Big career decisions are easier to understand when we give ourselves space and look at what is actually driving the doubt.
Naming medical ambivalence can help reduce shame, self-doubt, and the feeling that something is wrong with us.
Talking openly about these feelings can also help us feel less alone and create more support between doctors.
Have you ever had a moment where you loved medicine but also wanted nothing to do with it? We’d love to hear your experience. Come share your thoughts with us, and send this episode to another Doctor Human who might be having one of those days.
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