Surgeon Stress
Guy Wintle
This drawing depicts the view a surgeon would have in theatre. Behind this view is an image neither the surgeon nor doctors in theatre can see. The scene shows the high-pressure situation the surgeon is under, as they carry out a coronary artery bypass most likely due to coronary atherosclerotic disease. I illustrate how this would be a stressful situation firstly by the operation being on the heart, which could be life threatening, and secondly the pressure from other colleagues watching his performance. Then I demonstrate outside the picture the physical effect stress is having on the surgeon. This could induce a transient increase in blood pressure, which over the years could contribute to coronary atherosclerotic disease. The irony of the situation is evident.
Whole Person Care, Year One, 2016
This drawing particularly interests me as it focuses on the doctor’s perspective as opposed to the patients, which is quite rare. The blood pressure monitor and the watching eyes of the operating theatre staff emphasise that the doctor is in a stressful situation which could be detrimental to their own health. This displays the importance of a doctor taking steps to maintain their health, as without strong mental and physical health the doctor would likely not able to treat their patients.
I like how this piece focuses on the condition and wellbeing of the surgeon, rather than only the patient on the operating table. The wellbeing of both parties are equally important for a good surgical outcome. I like how the blood vessels and the furnaces illustrate the stress and high pressure that the surgeon is experiencing. This piece highlights the importance of controlling stress as a doctor and the negative impacts stress can have on performance and both physical and mental health.