I want you to do me a favor. Pretend we’re meeting each other for the first time. You have to describe who you are in 10 words or less without mentioning any relationship to another human being. You can’t cop out and say: I’m Anne’s husband, Paul’s mom or Mike’s oldest child. Who are you? Who and how do you identify yourself?
For most doctors, a few of those ten words would include their medical career. It’s no coincidence. Compared to most jobs, being a physician is a key feature of our identities. I’m not saying it’s right. I’m not saying it’s wrong. I’m just telling you that whether you realize it or not, being a doctor is a big part of who you are.
Here’s a few reasons why your job has grown to define you.
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