title: Illness doesn't belong to us.
abstract: There has been little research in Britain into the experiences of doctors who are ill. We conducted in-depth interviews with 64 doctors of all grades with a recent illness lasting one month or more. Whether the illness was physical or psychiatric, many expressed the idea that illness is inappropriate for doctors. This idea is a cultural value among doctors which is reinforced by the organization of medical work. It discourages doctors from seeking and obtaining appropriate help when they are ill.
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health Medicine, United Medical School, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McKevitt
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology*; D012803:Sick Role