The Moderating Effects of Moral Injury and Discrimination Trauma on Women Physician Trainees' Well-Being.

Summary: Becoming a doctor is notoriously difficult, but for women in medical training, the pressure goes beyond long hours. A new study involving over 1,000 women physician trainees reveals that "moral injury"—the distress felt when one's actions violate their moral code—and discrimination are significant hazards. These experiences don't just cause stress; they actively fuel "impostor syndrome" (feeling like a fraud) and erode self-compassion. Crucially, the study found that while professional coaching is meant to help, deep-seated moral injury can actually block the benefits of such coaching. To truly help young doctors flourish, medicine must address these root causes of trauma, not just treat the symptoms.