In fact, “the prevalence of PTSD is approximately 2 times greater in physicians, at 14.8%, than in the general population, with emergency medicine resident physicians’ incidence falling in the range of 11.9% to 21.5%.” (Vanyo, Lara et al. 2017)
Vicarious trauma, a normal reaction to the stressful experience of multiple exposure to traumatic material (McCann & Pearlman, 1990), can occur too.
If you think you might be affected by PTSD or vicarious trauma please seek help. You can call the QLD Doctors’ Health Programme confidentially on 07 3833 4352.
