SURGEON, DONT HEAL THYSELF - A STUDY OF THE HEALTH OF AUSTRALASIAN UROLOGISTS

Background: Modem surgical practice is stressful and anxiety-producing . We investigated urologists health and their attitude to their own he alth care. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-five Australasian urologis ts were surveyed to ascertain their attitudes to their physical and ps ychological health; 205 responses were received. Results: Ten per cent reported serious physical illnesses. Fewer than half had their own ge neral practitioner (GP), and fewer than one-third had seen a doctor in the previous 12 months. A majority had, at some time, prescribed them selves medication, including antibiotics, narcotic and non-narcotic an algesia and benzodiazepams. Nearly all reported that aspects of their urological practice caused them anxiety. More felt that this anxiety w as the result of pressures experienced outside the operating theatre t han problems directly related to performing surgery. A small number of psychological problems were reported, and fewer than 10 per cent had ever a visited a psychiatrist. It was evident that most Australasian u rologists were unwilling to discuss any psychological problems that th ey may have. Even when a specific problem had been identified, few sou ght the appropriate care. Conclusions: It would be advantageous for Au stralasian urologists and doctors in general to see their GP more regu larly, and be more willing to discuss any psychological difficulties t hat they may experience.