Why perfectionism in medicine leads to moral injury

Summary: Doctors are often chosen for medical school because they care deeply and want to be perfect. But these same traits can actually hurt them. When doctors care too much, they can develop "rejection sensitivity." This means that when a patient is rude or ungrateful, the doctor's brain feels it as a real physical wound.

The medical system takes advantage of this, pushing doctors to work too hard and ignore their own health in the name of being a hero. Over time, dealing with difficult patients and the fear of lawsuits causes serious stress. Doctors feel a tight chest and a sinking stomach. Eventually, this leads to "moral injury" and burnout, where doctors feel numb just to survive. We need to stop treating doctors like robots and remember they are human beings who need boundaries and self-compassion.

For more details, see kevinmd at kevinmd.com/2026/03/why-perfectionism-in-medicine-leads-to-moral-injury.html (opens in new tab)

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