Something for the Pain: Compassion and Burnout in the ER

KEYWORDS:
• BURNOUT, PROFESSIONAL
• EMERGENCY SERVICE, HOSPITAL
• EMERGENCY TREATMENT
• EMPATHY
• PATIENT-PHYSICIAN RELATIONSHIP

One of the conversation icebreakers used by physicians are patient vignettes from the emergency department, providing nonphysicians with a glimpse of what the American College of Physicians has called an area “where others dare not tread.” While such stories provide fodder for discussion, physicians often do not have adequate catharsis about their brief—but meaningful—interactions with patients in the emergency department. Paul Austin's Something for the Pain attempts to provide such catharsis and deserves to be widely read by physicians, especially those specializing in emergency medicine.

Austin's book is much more than a compilation of patient encounters; in short chapters highlighting significant events, it also provides insight into the complexity of life as an emergency medicine physician. Austin provides a vivid and contemplative self-portrait, from his decision to apply to medical school, to his stints as firefighter and carpenter, to coping with the needs of his child with Down syndrome, to …