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Letters

Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians

Jillian Bailey
CMAJ July 27, 2020 192 (30) E865; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.76075
Jillian Bailey
Family physician, Headwaters Health Care Centre, Orangeville, Ont.
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  • RE: Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians
    Dike C Drummond [MD]
    Posted on: 27 July 2020
  • Altruism
    Brian M. Cornelson [MD]
    Posted on: 27 July 2020
  • Posted on: (27 July 2020)
    RE: Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians
    • Dike C Drummond [MD], CEO, TheHappyMD.com, The Happy MD

    Very cool ... thanks for sharing.
    There is no such thing as selfless ...
    no self
    no body
    no mind 
    no spirit
    only pure service with no regard to self 
    Not possible in a human

    What you can do is practice exquisite and aggressive self care
    and use the accumulated energy reserves to making a difference and a contribution
    from a place where it is VERY PERSONAL ...
    unique to me
    Something only me, myself and  I can provide
    something I have invested my whole life in learning
    honing
    practicing 
    perfecting

    it is the opposite of selfless somehow
    your thoughts?

    Competing Interests: None declared.

    References

    • Jillian Bailey. Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians. CMAJ 2020;192:E865-E865.
  • Posted on: (27 July 2020)
    Altruism
    • Brian M. Cornelson [MD], family physician, University of Calgary

    Well said. Emphasizing altruism sounds noble but is ultimately hollow and insidiously depleting. Emphasizing meaning allows a sustainable virtuous cycle of contribution and affirmation.

    Competing Interests: None declared.

    References

    • Jillian Bailey. Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians. CMAJ 2020;192:E865-E865.
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Canadian Medical Association Journal: 192 (30)
CMAJ
Vol. 192, Issue 30
27 Jul 2020
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Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians
Jillian Bailey
CMAJ Jul 2020, 192 (30) E865; DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.76075

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Emphasizing altruism is problematic for physicians
Jillian Bailey
CMAJ Jul 2020, 192 (30) E865; DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.76075
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