Photo courtesy Bob Schneider

By Teagan Rasche

Doctor Fatigue

High levels of anxiety and fatigue found among doctors

Mar 11, 2021 | 3:38 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – A recent survey from the Canadian Medical Association reports high levels of anxiety and fatigue among physicians.

Medicine Hat’s Dr. Gerry Prince says everyday physicians step into a war zone against an invisible enemy. They risk bringing COVID-19 back home to their families, children and elderly parents.

Prince, a family doctor, says physicians deeply care about their patient’s needs and COVID-19 has interrupted normal care.

“Every other step is more difficult as well. To have a patient get some lab work or X-rays, all have these additional barriers,” Prince said. “If they need to be in the hospital, there’s the added risk and reduced capacity. We’ve been pretty lucky in Medicine Hat.”

Prince says there are plenty of resources for doctors at the provincial and national levels. However, it can be hard for them to ask for help when they are the ones who are supposed to have all the answers.

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The Canadian Medical Association survey found poor vaccine rollout is also a contributing factor to the added stress.

Doctors are being asked if they are available and able to give vaccines. With specific storage requirements, not every medical office is equipped to help.

Prince says a little appreciation goes a long way. A simple “thank you” from patients is sometimes all a doctor needs to hear.