Vicarious Suffering: Physician, Heal Thyself?
Saloumeh Bozorgzadeh, PsyD, Sufi Psychology Association; Lynn E. Wilcox, PhD, California State Sacramento; Marjon Fariba, MD, Kaiser Permanente; Mohammad Sadoghi, PhD, University of California, Davis; and Faith Nouri, PhD, Texas Women's University
Many helping professionals have chosen their field based on a “calling” or a sense of a greater purpose. As a result, much time and energy has been placed on caring for others and trying to end or relieve the suffering that patient’s feel. Much of the identity of a physician is on being a caregiver and it is difficult to recognize or realize that caregivers also require care. Throughout the caregiving process, vicarious suffering often builds up and burnout ensues. In these moments, many clinicians do not stop to take inventory or they may just try to push through.
This panel presentation addresses the other type of pain, the one that physician’s feel vicariously from chronic exposure to human suffering. Presenters are doctoral level clinicians, researchers, educators, and physicians who will discuss Islamic Sufi methods to cope with and overcome burnout from vicarious suffering. This multidisciplinary team will present background, research, and case studies on techniques of Islamic Sufism. In addition, suggestions for medical caregivers on how to encourage patients to become active in their own healing process, becoming self- scientists, examining, weighing, and finding helpful activities and processes to help themselves feel better. Included will be a handout on self-care for patients.
This panel presentation addresses the other type of pain, the one that physician’s feel vicariously from chronic exposure to human suffering. Presenters are doctoral level clinicians, researchers, educators, and physicians who will discuss Islamic Sufi methods to cope with and overcome burnout from vicarious suffering. This multidisciplinary team will present background, research, and case studies on techniques of Islamic Sufism. In addition, suggestions for medical caregivers on how to encourage patients to become active in their own healing process, becoming self- scientists, examining, weighing, and finding helpful activities and processes to help themselves feel better. Included will be a handout on self-care for patients.