Some doctors willingly work on Christmas, prioritizing patient care and experiencing a unique sense of camaraderie with colleagues. They find meaning in supporting their team and ensuring patients receive care during the holidays.
Paul Edward Sax, MD, has worked on Christmas at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, 25 of the past 32 years.
Clinicians “might get some additional meaning knowing that you’re doing this for your colleague on Christmas,” agreed Jonathan Ripp, MD, MPH, chief wellness officer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. “I am reminded every year that for many people, the holidays aren’t necessarily happy, and that pain can be more acute for people who are lonely or struggling,” said Torree McGowan, MD, an Oregon emergency physician and ACEP representative.
Sax said it’s almost guaranteed that “plenty of people will thank you” if you work on a holiday. That includes patients, doctors, and nurses. MacLean recalls during a pandemic Thanksgiving joining with her chair of medicine to wheel a “Care Cart” down the hallways. They dispensed hand sanitizer, lotion, lip balm, energy bars, and various treats. There were a lot of hugs, she said, especially as the staff realized that she and the chair were not required to be there but had chosen to be there.
“Many of us enjoy working holidays, despite missing our families, as it is really a great way to help make what is commonly a difficult day for our patients just a little bit better,” he said.
Doctors Christmas Healthcare Workers Camaraderie Patient Care
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