In healthcare, burnout isn’t just common—it’s often expected and glorified. Long hours, chronic understaffing, and a culture that equates self-sacrifice with dedication leave many clinicians running on empty. But what if you could stay in the work without abandoning yourself? This post explores how to recognize the hidden culture of self-neglect in medicine, why it persists, and what it takes to opt out—without walking away from the profession you care about.

Do you feel guilty when you set a boundary or take time to rest? You're not alone. Many empathic, hardworking people—especially those in helping roles—struggle with guilt anytime they slow down or put themselves first.