I thought about leaving medicine. Here's why.....

In this video, Dr. Webb talks about his thoughts on leaving medicine.
To see Dr Webb as a patient, please contact:
Antonio J. Webb, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
South Texas Spinal Clinic
9150 Huebner Road Suite 290
San Antonio, Texas 78240
Office: 210-614-6432
Fax: [phone]
www.spinaldoc.com
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[@antoniowebbmd]

One of my most REALEST videos to date! I thought about not posting this video, but I decided to do it anyway. I’m sure it will help someone out there! 🙏🏾

[@dr.mariocesarvillegas7764]

Im a physician colleage. Thank you. Im praying for you. The battle has been difficult. Keep the faith, and keep your inner temple well maintained. Thank you for sharing!!!!

[@anthonyman8008]

If you want to really help people be healthy I'll help you.

[@ruthquetant7375]

💖Thank you so much for sharing, I can assure you it does🙏🏾‼

[@Ms.Opinionated]

Hi Dr. Webb! You made me smile when said "some hottie". It's been a month of Sunday's since I have heard that word. Thank you for sharing your story. I was diagnosed as bi-polar about 3 years ago. I thought I was having a heart attack, went to KP Urgent Care and learned I was having a panic attack. I looked up the diagnosis and found I had about 80% of the symptoms. I am glad to hear you are on the road to recovery, so to speak. Blessings to you and your family! "Each One, Reach One, Teach One". One Love

[@user-ck4yt3kv3p]

Hey Dr. Webb thanks for the video! Sometimes in life you just have to know when to leave something behind no matter what it cost you to get there. You can only live in the present and time only keeps going forward. Do whatever makes you happy even if it means doing some kind of contract medical work for less money!

[@blacksideknight3]

I've always thought it was ironic how a profession dedicated to health and helping others would force unhealthy lifestyles onto their trainees and professionals

[@elfredawright]

The irony of it all. 36 years as a Registered Nurse, and it your musing has been my for 35 of those years. I am glad I am one of those who is not afraid to address the issue in my colleagues or myself.

[@anmolsingh009]

Exactly, I fail to understand why can’t we have normal humane working hours in training, in fact I feel if work hours allowed trainees to have a better work life balance, they would be even more motivated for their jobs, and we would have much lower rates of burnout.

[@shawnbenoit3774]

The healthcare system is upheld by overworked and sometimes downright abused workers from Md. attendings to techs and CNAs

[@Rambutan.]

I want to be a doctor but honestly the conditions are very important to take into consideration and I'll have to have a really honest think about whether or not I could sustain the career. If the conditions were less intense, I would jump in without hesitation. I wonder how many other potential doctors and nurses there are out here who could help ease the load but don't feel capable of helping.

[@markrutte5637]

such a backwards country

[@tonshmar]

My sister almost died because she had 3 blood clots in her lungs. When she arrived to the hospital, they ran the MRI etc (Other test) The Dr. then tells my father that he doesn’t know HOW she was able to walk in there. Basically, Dr. said it was a miracle she is alive. After the surgery, the Dr. comes out, shakes my fathers hand and said she’ll be fine and all the extra fancy-smancy stuff you Dr.’s say after surgery then hands her chart off to like the top nurse lady. Then He just casually proceeded to walk away. My father was like, “DUDE!! YOU JUST SAVED MY DAUGHTERS LIFE AND YOU COME OUT HERE LIKE ITS NO BIG DEAL!! NO COME HERE, LET ME HUG YOU!! THANK YOU!” I PROMISE, true story! I say all that to say we need YOU doctors. Medicine has come such a long way and you guys are EXTRAORDINARY!! Thank you for sticking with it and sharing your story so the next Dr. can get a hug from SOMEBODIES father!! We NEED you guys! 🙏🙏

[@MsrReema1999]

Not me crying rn

[@zionreign5074]

😢😢😢

[@farisa1116]

Man if the govt actually paid the docs well in all countries around the world people would shove their probs aside at least enough to not commit suicide

[@Sam-fp8zm]

#that happened.

[@Ahn-mu3db]

@@MsrReema1999 Lol

[@TheeSteeze]

As a 2nd year medical student preparing for boards... having a family of 4... I just want to say thank you. Depression is the elephant in the room among medical students, residents - and clearly attendings as well. Thank you for showing that we are all human. Sometimes we feel so alone. What keeps me strong is my family... knowing I need to rise to the challenge to support my wife and two little girls. Also knowing when to take a break.

[@Sleepingcoffee979]

God speed dude

[@blazesardonyx7557]

Thank you for sharing brother. Much love

[@Dr.Wolff999]

Be proud of yourself, wishing you and your family lots of health and happiness!

[@LADcoronary180]

how old are you?

[@TheeSteeze]

Late 20s.

[@fade2black1982]

I’m in my last year of med school, and I started seeing a therapist my second year. Best decision I’ve ever made.

[@SaSpursFan]

Problem becomes when you not longer can bc you have no time when your in residency

[@venom_dave]

Is it that hard?

[@skiv7548]

We are by far in the worst shape ever as a country - it's not even close. And we are the most examined, poked and prodded, pilled up, vaccinated, disease ridden, fattest, softest, culture that has ever lived. No culture or country is even close.... We don't need more doctors - we need much less and for people to take their health into their own han

[@Youre_Right]

My cousin is a doctor and he was about 3 years out of med school and had been grinding really hard. He showed up at my aunts house at like 5 am one morning and said he couldn’t do it anymore. He was physically and emotionally drained and was totally burnt out. Luckily he pulled out of his funk quickly and the hospital he worked for was very understanding and supportive of him getting whatever help he needed.

[@runalongnow4960]

Man, thanks for the awareness, I seriously thought such stuff happened only with me. Thanks for the video, thanks for your comment, I've got some closure now. Amongst the rest, here's an incident I'd like to share. There was a point of time where my aunt came to our house & had to literally pull me out of bed as I cried & fought her back. Having gotten my degree, thinking back, it was one the most SHAMEFUL incidents in my life. Never shared that story or, even recollected it untill now due to fear of being stigmatized. But, 1 thing I'll never do is, take such moments in life for granted.

[@venom_dave]

Burnt out from medical school?

[@LJStability]

Main lesson I learned in medicine: it's better to see a counselor early rather than later. In fact, it's better to establish that relationship before things get crazy.

[@smellypatel5272]

And yet, seeing mental health specialists will literally hinder or outright prevent you from practicing medicine. That's how seeking honest help is actually rewarded when you're a doctor. Cool, isn't it?

[@bobbybero7452]

@@smellypatel5272How can therapy harm your employment?

[@smellypatel5272]

@@bobbybero7452 if they see you were institutionalized at a psych facility or get wind of your psych issues you'll be treated as a pariah. Good luck with residency matching or career opportunities down the line. Medicine is super toxic in terms of work culture

[@jessicaspeelman4936]

As a Mental Health Therapist, I have seen a major increase in medical professionals seeking services for depression, anxiety, and burnout. You are so awesome for addressing these topics. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@amberj3941]

As a physician assistant it’s been hard too, I was used to having patients who were so thankful, it made me feel good to help. After the pandemic you got more who thought they knew better, or needed x,y or z treatment, there was spitting and cussing. The pandemic switched things. It changed so so much for me. I actually did quit for 2 years. I took that time I needed to focus on my family. I didn’t sign up for that type of medicine. I just took a telemedicine job, much better pay, no more bugging someone to wear a mask. It’s been a lot better than when I left. Personally I was questioning if medicine was my path anymore, I get it. I have a lot of other PA friends and RNs who have quit too. I hope patients can start to see we are all doing our best. We just want to keep people safe, try to make someone feel better we aren’t bad people. We just want people to be nice and treat us with respect. A lot of patients did in fact 99% of my patients did pre-Covid, please just know we are all having a hard time, we are human too.

[@fastesteddiealive]

Well if you were trying to push the poison on them… they do know better than you obviously. If you weren’t then you must not be employed anymore

[@SC-or2zb]

For perspective, I had a PA student who visibly wrote me off and was being rude to me cutting in while I was talking because she felt she could. I am a medical student and was going through really tough times at that time. That interaction caused me to defend myself by outwardly displaying my dissatisfaction with this person’s behavior, and she caught on quick and changed her demeanor. I hated having to using non-positive means to regain trust and respect but that was the option that I had. I’m also guilty of not respecting some of my colleagues sometimes when they are wrong about things or for other vain reasons. I’m writing this because it’s not always about the patients. It’s the medical staff too.

[@FB.2002]

I’m a PA, female, black..I’m finding the work environment more and more racist. Even co-workers, maybe they don’t realize but have biased behaviors too. I’m tired of having to prove myself. Im thinking of leaving this profession alone. The stress is not worth it to me. We are working harder for less. What this current clinic is paying me i made 5yrs ago with bonuses and incentives. I used to work in the ED. I stopped for about 5yrs. I tried going back and the particular ED I was working in had APPs seeing Level 2 patients, being first to examine trauma patients, intubating, running codes.. they were excellent!! I was shocked. I mean, it’s good to know those skills but we don’t get paid nearly what the MDs make to be handling those cases. To make it worse, that particular ED was always short staffed. I would come home exhausted with a bunch of charts. I started getting sick to my stomach when I had to go. One day I broke out in a rash, then I just quit going, I said no more. I’m probably black listed, it was so stressful.

[@NursesToRiches]

This a pretty deep video. Thanks for sharing. I can't even imagine how stressful it must be to be a doctor... I worked with the doctor in NYC that committed suicide at the peak of the first covid wave. She was a very sweet person and these past two years have also been rough for anyone working in healthcare. Many of my coworkers have been either moving into different areas within their professions or leaving their profession altogether.

[@antoniowebbmd]

Wow! Soooo sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing

[@quelquun2018]

Nurses to riches!! I love y’all!!

[@knowthyself1981]

@Antonio J. Webb, M.D. how did your family wife etc react to this bro keep inspiring love and respect🙏🙏❤❤

[@johnlee7377]

Even within the past couple years, the number of residents who've committed suicide are crazy. shame that hospitals cover it up

[@marquezhobson3781]

I hope that God sends the right laborers into their lives that will heal this area of many in the medical profession of being doctors and medical nurses and staff.

[@abe948]

Fourth-year medical student appreciating every minute of this video. Your realism, Dr. Webb, is truly indispensable.

[@skiv7548]

We are by far in the worst shape ever as a country - it's not even close. And we are the most examined, poked and prodded, pilled up, vaccinated, disease ridden, fattest, softest, culture that has ever lived. No culture or country is even close.... We don't need more doctors - we need much less and for people to take their health into their own hands.

[@asdfjklasdfjkl408]

As a med student and current allied health provider, it hurts my heart that the medical education system is hurting healers before we ever even have the chance to heal our patients. Thanks for this video Dr. Webb. I appreciate your honesty and you sharing your story and I hope you are doing better. I spoke to my primary care physician and it helped immensely. I also journal, have a stretching routine, and talk with classmates who can relate to what I am going through. I try to go outside and get some sunshine once a day. Family is a wonderful support system, but unless they have been through medical school, nobody REALLY knows what it is like on the inside. Talking and venting to someone who really knows what you are going through is so so valuable.

[@venom_dave]

It’s not that hard ur just being dramatic

[@tommy-ij9nd]

Wow, I’m a 64 yr old veterinarian nearing the end of my career and I can so relate to much of what you say. Thanks so much for your candor and for speaking your truth. I wish you peace and happiness.

[@ryankelly8077]

As a 30-yr old non-trad whose dealt w/ depression & suicidal thoughts 3-years ago, I genuinely appreciate the open & honesty w/ this video… this sh*t is real… 302’ing myself & getting professional help literally saved my life… thanks again dr. Webb for sharing this video

[@sonyg0640]

what does 302ing mean?

[@ryankelly8077]

@@sonyg0640 - there’s 302 versus 201.. 302 is being involuntarily checked into a psychiatric facility versa 201 is voluntarily checking yourself in to a psychiatric facility to receive mental health related services

[@DonzellLampkins]

Thank you for your transparency and spreading awareness. I’m a psychotherapist and I’ve treated physicians and student doctors with anxiety and depression. The biggest barrier I’ve seen is shame. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Look at the stats in this video. Clearly, it’s an issue. You’re not alone. Anyone reading this struggling with depression, please seek help.

[@katharina5830]

I quit medical school several years ago, not because I didn’t want to become a doctor but because I carried a lot of self doubt inside of me with regard to being able to be the doctor I wanted to be (being there for patients, not making any mistakes, etc). This was exacerbated by a student culture that seemed (to the outside) so confident about their goals and abilities - barely anybody spoke about the topics addressed in this video. Today, I know better, and I feel more mature about all of this. Since I feel still drawn to medicine, I’m thinking about going back to medical school or a related field. Thanks for addressing this topic - a vey important one!

[@antoniowebbmd]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@Jazzyblackdrummer]

Thank you Dr. Webb for being frank and candid about medicine

[@antoniowebbmd]

💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@3questo699]

What makes going through depression as a doctor especially hard is the fact that it's hard for folks to even fathom you experiencing these feelings. You are the "doctor" after all. You should have all the answers. We are often the "stong" one in our communities. The one that everyone looks up to in times of need and the one who cannot do any wrong in their eyes. The toughest part of depression is realizing we aren't perfect by any means and that its okay to be weak and vulnerable sometimes. We are only human after all. sometimes we forget that.

[@KiwikimNZ]

Yes that must be really hard there are extremely high expectations on Drs as it is. I am a nurse and see the exhaustion on the faces of the Trainee interns and the fear after such a long struggle to finally be able to step foot onto a ward. Then the fun begins, those busy lonely night shifts with their pagers (phones now lol) going off every 10 mins! It’s an extremely stressful start to an extremely stressful career. I love my job but with it comes a lot of responsibility and you are always on your toes, I can not imagine being under that continuous pressure all the time, no wonder Drs do get depressed and stress can be a major factor in depressive symptoms. It’s a debilitating illness having taken over many years of my life too. Like you say we are only human. Everyone is vulnerable and no one is immune from The black dog. I hope you are doing well, there is no real quick fix , you just have to let it run it’s course and it’s hard. :) all the very best x

[@ChanChan-jk8pc]

You can't fix your brain yourself we understand

[@TrinJeto]

I'm a first year medical student and I really appreciate this video. It doesn't deter me from pursuing medicine, but it is something to be mindful of because depression and burnout are 100% real. Thank you so much for being vulnerable and candid, Dr. Webb. This topic isn't easy, especially because of stigmas surrounding mental health in medicine. Wellness cannot be overstated.

[@onixtheone]

It’s really tough to not blame yourself for a complication, and the patients families don’t make it any easier, but inside your heart you have to realize; you were the best hope they had anyways, don’t let that feeling eat away at you too long.

[@evancoles]

Burnout and depression are real and they can be very difficult to self diagnose in my experience. I take antidepressants and anxiety medication and they help me a lot. If I feel really terrible, I will call my friends or go for walks. A lot of the time, I don’t want to exercise or talk to my friends when I feel like this but I have to force myself to because I know it is a positive feedback loop of depression unless I metaphorically claw my way out. Much respect to you Dr. Webb. I am not a physician but you are a very intelligent and honorable person who frankly inspires me. I have copied many of your study methods over the years. To anyone reading this, feel free to copy my methods for dealing with depression. I hope you all are able to become happier.

[@smiley8106]

Thank you so much as I too often don’t like to talk to people when I’m depressed. I will try my best to force myself to talk.

[@okoroifeanyichukwu8762]

Your honesty is top-notch Doctor!

[@pazzescogringo]

Spot on. I’m a COVID ICU nurse, and after two years it took me a while to find myself again. Losing 80-90% of my patients while people say “it has a 98% survival rate” hasn’t been easy. God bless you, and thank you for making a difference.

[@buckeye-pe6df]

It has actually has a 99.99996% survival rate. 😳

[@carl13579]

Thank you for serving in the trenches!

[@mentak2593]

@Timmy Tran I hope you never get sick because you are exactly the person that makes healthcare providers want to quit and not help anymore.

[@KiwikimNZ]

I am a nurse too but lucky enough to have lived in a country untouched really by this horrible virus. The huge emotional toll as well as physical toll this virus has put on people is huge. I couldn’t imagine what you have seen and been through. Patients dying alone, families unable to see their loved ones, say goodbye and the inability to grief properly had been huge. You have been to hell and back. Then the horrible commenters and shaming of Drs and nurses on social media such as KZbin has been a double blow. You have worked so hard, blood sweat and tears only to be could a liar for spreading false information about vaccines and death rates, the nurses are all part of the conspiracy and that they are getting huge amounts of money from Pharmaceutical companies etc is an insult. People have been cruel. I really hope that this is over for you now and you can start to heal and reflect on the past two years, look after yourself dear your a true hero! Thank you so so much for what you have done x

[@alexisnicole6066]

@Timmy Tran Just 5% of unvaccinated workers-and 1% of all workers overall-said they left a job because of a COVID-19 vaccine mandate from their employer :)

[@balthezor]

I still remember having my first call as an anesthesiologist with literally no one else with anesthesia training around me doing an emergency case. Scary as hell having no backup.

[@MsrReema1999]

I cannot stress enough how important this video is for every healthcare worker to watch. Thank you for shedding light on this huge topic and i have hope that the system will be changed eventually.

[@WolffAllergyAsthmaDetroit]

Thank you for this video! As a physician graduating fellowship, about to embark on starting a private practice in the setting of significant medical school debt, I truly appreciate your advice and candor. This is my first time commenting on your videos, but I have been following your incredible journey. You are not only an inspiration but an insightful mentor to many!

[@SalemGurl8701]

Congratulations!!!!!!!

[@drdrill8006]

Just watched your video. I can relate. Fourteen docs in my family from internal med to ob/gyn to oral surgery to general surgery to radiology and more. Been there, seen it, done that. Have practiced surgery all over the world. Been doing this for forty years. Gets easier, more rote with time. But all of the feelings that you expressed I've had those also. Comes with the path we have chosen to walk. Early years, sometimes 80+ patients per day. Horrible, untenable even. Now, 6 to 8 patients per day, maybe 10 on a very busy day. I learned what my priorities are. Faith, family - include yourself, your practice. In that order. Feed yourself first, mentally and physically. Feast on your family, lean on them, let them know when you need their help. Find someone in the 'doc game' that you can commiserate with. NONE of us can do this alone. No one but a fellow who has walked in this pathway can know the responsibility and the weight of life changing decisions that we make daily. You are not alone. I may never meet you, but I will be praying for you daily. For success in your professional and personal life, as you move ahead bringing hope and healing to those who seek your skilled hands. God gives gifts, its up to us to use them. Keep your courage high, blessings on you my fellow doc.

[@antoniowebbmd]

Thanks for the kind and encouraging words! 🙏🏾

[@alex46038]

Man, talking about depression.. It's great that there is somebody out there talking about these things. I went through that in my third year of medschool (in my country we study for 6 years and the third is when the first clinical disciplines start ). Thought about quitting too, felt empty and pathless, but with the right support system you go through it. Keep up your work, you really are an inspiration for a lot of people. More influencers should start talking openly about depression in medicine, it can really save lives.

[@modanderer3348]

I can’t begin to express how meaningful it is to hear a doctor (or any healthcare professional) to be frank and open about their emotional challenges. I withdrew from a top medical school because I quickly realized I did not have the emotional where-with-all to handle the process (much less the weight of responsibility of a physician). Today I work for a healthcare technology company and it was the best decision I could have made for my life but it’s makes me ever more grateful for the weight physicians have to carry. I wish all the best in your private practice and am certain your patients are all the better for your experience and care.

[@venom_dave]

Is it that hard? I’m in my first year of college

[@klvk1991]

Can i know what you pursued after quitting residency to become what you're today... I'm thinking of dropping my residency too

[@isaiahfrancis6426]

Man this video was deep, I’m pre med and I have episodes where I fall in depression. I found that having an outlet, as he talked about, helps you cope with depression. I like to paint shoes so I started to do that more and I see a little difference in my daily thoughts etc……thanks for the video Dr.webb. Also I just finished your book, and I loved it!!!!!!!!! There was alot in that book I could resonate with! Keep going king!!!

[@jadude119]

You got this bro, and you're never alone!

[@drdng8621]

Thank you for sharing this. Like you , my career started in the military as a dental technician. I worked and paid my way through undergrad and doctoral training to become a dentist. Sold my first practice after 10 years to start another in a desirable area in Southern California. The years of grinding to build another practice and grow clinically to compete in a very saturated market took its toll. The financial difficulty as the primary source of my family's financial security and the stress of running a business took much of my passion for my career. Like you, I wanted to get out but felt trapped. Feelings of isolation lead to depression. I know there were moments when I didn't want to live like that, but I knew ending my life would only put my family in a worse position. I found a way to climb out of that hole and am grateful for my faith and resilience. The stress never goes away completely, and there are moments when I can feel the burnout returning. Learning to forgive and be kinder to myself was key. We are all a work in progress, and I thank you again for sharing a topic far too many of us suffer alone from. Take care.

[@continuousdance]

Thank you so much for talking about this.❤️ And for being sensitive, compassionate, and supportive (toward yourself and others) in your delivery as well as in the statistics and the realities you shared.🙏🏼 I’m thankful we as people are taking more time to talk about this.

[@duran4689]

i feel this for sure. even as a pre med chasing my dreams when the worlds on my shoulders i sometimes break down and feel like quitting thinking im alone. luckily videos like this make me feel just less alone and encourage me to take my mental health serious just as much as my studys.

[@Mo-gc4xp]

I appreciate this video. I’m a last year pre-med, and I feel this burnout and depression you’re talking about. I thought it was just me, and I’m just not fit for medicine. Thank you! I’m not sure how much my advice means as a pre-med, but what keeps me going is having someone to talk to. I recommend an actual therapist since it’s literally their job and they will likely be the best at it. Keeping these thoughts and stressors in your head only amplifies them.

[@joshuacutshaw7511]

Thank you for being honest, and open. This helps me as an aspiring physician

[@Thomaswinds]

First and foremost, I would like to thank you for inspiring me to go into the medical field! I have been watching you since I was in high school and here in California I was just accepted into medical school!! I have experienced stress and depression and the ways I dealt with it was that I ceased eating unhealthy foods (foods high in lipids or excess salt) and started taking naps every other day just to refresh my mind.

[@MannyMacMedicine]

Thank you so much for the transparency, Dr Webb! Many of us have experienced depression and burnout on many levels, so I really enjoyed hearing your perspective and story. Thanks for being a REAL ONE and showing all sides of this thing. God bless you, sir! 🙏🏾

[@GRiiiiD3]

I'm very glad you posted this video. I'm a newly graduated veterinarian and I am totally dealing with the same thing. Discussing that sense of dread when going to work is so real. That newfound responsibility is no joke. Being a surgeon in the morning, a dermatologist 2 hours later, and an internist in the afternoon. Its a lot to deal with. A lot of mistakes that can be made, some of which I may not know about for days or weeks. Shits scary for real. But its good we are talking about it. It also nice hearing the another Black man in the medical field talking about the struggles. It's much appreciated.

[@ThePlasticLife]

Proud of you for posting this video man! It's thoughts that we all have at some point in our career and I've had my thoughts of quitting as well only 3 years out of training. The transition from fellowship to private practice is definitely a strange transition.

[@dragonleo6598]

Thank you! I lost all of my desire to become a doctor, and had to turn to medication in order to move past the burnout phase. I would've never imagined needing medication for my mental health, but I am glad I swallowed my pride and found the right doctor to pull me up again.

[@b3_w4ter85]

Glad you said surgeons should be honest about complications. My life was ruined by surgeons not doing that. I would never have blamed them for trying their best and being honest. But lying made everything, physical health included, worse.

[@ziaulislam87]

Truth as americans sue for no reason and take doctors for granted..i soemtime wish that if this is taken away they will only then truely feel how lucky they are..and we did saw some of this when covid hit.. When the system collapse it will take decades to build back ..

[@OutRightFitness]

Thanks for sharing! While I'm not a medical professional, I'm still in the people business, and a business owner. This really hit home because we can also experience burnout and need to take personal time serious. I've already planned days off for the year. Days off where I'm not even traveling anywhere, just slowing life down a bit.

[@itsJoegg]

Thank you for talking about this. Not exactly the same thing but I’m a nursing student and being one in these times is rough. I haven’t even graduated yet but sometimes I think about switching fields. I’m also seeing firsthand at work how stressed / burnt out our doctors are. Huge respect to all of you hanging in there, often it’s a thankless job with a mountain of responsibility.

[@LuLu_711]

Im glad you decided to post this video Dr. Webb. The healing profession is not easy and it comes with its challenges. You are helping us grow 🥰🥰 thank you

[@TheBarbieUnchained]

Thank you Dr. Webb for your words. It’s easy to feel alone during these times. I’ve seen a lot of my nurse colleagues quitting the profession or traveling because of burnout. Medicine has always be a stressful field, but these last two years have made people really reevaluate things.

[@josephbaker9932]

Something someone told me early in my career in engineering: “Don’t judge yesterday’s decision with what you know today.” Complications seem obvious in retrospect. At the time you made the decision, with what you knew at that moment, was it a correct decision?

[@vegaalex33]

Thankyou for being honest sir. This puts it all into perspective, grateful for you and your service for humanity🙏🏼

[@OEdwardsZ34]

You're an inspiration Dr. Webb. I admire you're transparency, wisdom and strength. Especially as an MS3 currently considering Ortho in the future. ALL THE BEST!!!!

[@tommyoneill9761]

Antonio, I really feel bad for you and for everyone else that suffers with health issues, whether they be physical or mental. I hope you start feeling better and wish you nothing but the very best!

[@janake7]

I appreciate you bringing this issue up close and personal. Burnout and depression are real. Though I work as an NP, I realize I must have a work-life balance. I know when I start to feel indifferent about my patient's needs and cares, I take a week off and reflect on my inner being. Meditation works wonders. Looking to those who matter the most in your life heals and brings you to a place where it does not define who you are. I take 30 days off as well. This keeps me armed to fight another day and enjoy the victories when patients have a great outcome. I wish you the very best, Dr. Webb. We cannot afford to lose great physicians like yourself! Fight for your happiness and look to your loving family.

[@bradleyosemwengie6523]

Thank you for sharing this and being honest about your struggles. You continue to be an inspiration and keep up the strong work!

[@aychmorgan21]

Respect to you for your work and your sacrifice. We definitely appreciate you!

[@reyramos1977]

Thank you Sir. for this much needed, amazing video of hope. I am a CST student and I thought for a moment that I was just being soft or a punk, but now I know that what I am going through is no other thing but depression. I cannot thank you enough because I couldn't understand what is going on with me but now at least I can confront this situation with more clarity. Thank you Dr. Webb.

[@ilnec]

Massive respect for putting this out there. Medicine is such a hard profession mentally, just know that you are loved and appreciated by everyone around you. Much love 🙏

[@Nbarboza95]

Thank you so much for sharing. Always keeping it real ❤️ I’m glad you were able to identify what was happening and found a solution.

[@ljerry8440]

Thanks for saying this aloud! Been a nurse from ortho/neuro to case management since 89. We need to speak to these issues to our young professionals.

[@Magicmat25]

It's honestly such a tough time to be in with all the restrictions in place. I'm also currently a pre-med but I've started having doubts about whether I actually want to go down that road which is something I never thought I'd consider. After watching your video though I think I've been overworking myself with school and not being able to do the things I love has definitely made things more challenging. Thanks for your video doc and stay safe everyone, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

[@melindaaa1404]

I am a second year pre-med and I am starting to have doubts too. It's even harder during this pandemic, when you see what healthcare workers have to go through... I think about it until 4 am. I think I really need a break and some rest too. Anyways, just wanted to let you know you're not alone and your feelings are legit, because sometimes on the internet it feels like pre-meds dont have the right to feel tired.. I once opened up to a med students and they were like "This is nothing, you dont know the half of it, stop complaining and go study"

[@rahmascorner3517]

This is a very honest and raw video, and I commend you for making it. Its important to keep it real. Your emotions and introspection is proof that you are still a "humane" doctor and surgeon. There are plenty of other surgeons who are blind sided by the glory and "high" of surgery. great video and hope you do more to keep us grounded in reality.

[@MrDanonduty]

Hello Dr. Webb, long time viewer and subscriber here. I really appreciate this video for many reasons, your openness and honesty really speaks to your own strength and wisdom! Your message really resonated with me as to the reality of medicine as a Pre-med on the verge of medical school applications. I have been following your journey since your residency days and I have always relied on your content for information, motivation and inspiration. I appreciate you discussing something that is often left undiscussed and sharing your own personal story. Thank you Dr. Webb for sharing and the amazing work you do!

[@ryanjohnson6486]

Thanks so much for your candidness! You never fail to inspire us students!

[@wwalwyn]

I’m saying this as someone who believed I wouldn’t walk again. I’ve been to doctors telling it was bc of my weight or some other stupid reason to finding a doctor who sat down to talk to me. I get it but we need people like you. I never told anyone this but I’m not afraid of dying but being a burden on my family. I was given pain killers and muscle relaxers and I was going to take a whole lot and end it all. There’s doctors who do it just to get rich and some do it to save a life, my doctor saved mine. We need more doctors who care

[@smellypatel5272]

You can be a doctor who wants to get rich *and* wants to save a life. I'm tired of people bringing up the financial aspect of being a doctor pejoratively. We don't even make that much money relative to the stress, debt, schooling, and competition that it takes to be one.

[@TDDVlogs]

@@smellypatel5272 I mean I wouldn’t say it’s not that much, it is a lot of money and rightfully so because of how much doctors had to go through to be at the position they’re in

[@smellypatel5272]

@@TDDVlogs it's not that much. There are better career paths that earn you just as much if not more money without all that time and debt.

[@TDDVlogs]

@@smellypatel5272 what other career paths earn you as much guaranteed money as becoming a doctor? Also I’m from Canada and here medical debt is not as big of an issue as it is in the States. A lot of people I know who are doing medicine say they are only going through all the stress and time just because of the money. They wouldn’t even consider medicine if the salary wasn’t so good

[@smellypatel5272]

@@TDDVlogs several careers in CS, banking, several careers in finance, travel nursing, actuaries, corporate law and some other types of law, certain trade skills like plumbing, etc. You can look this up online- suffice to say, people going into medicine for the money are getting a raw deal. This also doesn't take into account the hours you're putting in while working to get that sort of income, which is typically higher than what other careers require.

[@nickpetrykowski8327]

Thank you for being transparent and sharing your story Dr. Webb. Glad that you and many other physicians are stressing the importance of mental health in medicine. Hopefully it will inspire change and have a positive impact on the next generation of doctors. Take care of yourself and God bless

[@nicolascevallos2778]

Thanks for posting this video Dr. Webb, it really means a lot as a fellow MS3 to see an attending address the elephant in the room of mental health. It’s good to see that the medical community/new generation is trying to work towards more sustainable solutions of work life balance and away from the toxicity of working ourselves into the ground

[@ericdidomenico8873]

So grateful for you Dr. Webb. This will help me in my upcoming journey as a medical student. Were in this together💪🏼❤️

[@christianbaxter_yt]

ICU nurse here, 3 years in. 6 mo ago I hit burn out. Bought a motorcycle cycle and quit working so much… it’s real. Your video encouraged me. Been following your videos on in off since nursing school. When you reach the top of the mountain (finished education, started as professional) the only way forward is back through the valley. We are in this together

[@Pwilliams23154]

This is so true. For those reasons I decided not to go to med school and went in to clinical research Instead. What I didn't know was this industry was so full of physicians and nurses who wanted out of the bedside care of patients but found a career where the education and experience could still be used and still overseeing patient safety. This guy was brave to even make this video. Most just suffer in silence. Thank u brother!

[@samjones4327]

Good Day Dr. Webb! I hope all is great with you and your family! Thank you so much for this video and sharing and being so transparent with how you deal and dealt with being a surgeon. You shared a lot of great information with us. I'm not a physician but I have physicians in my family. My uncle is a Cardiothoracic surgeon and I know it must be very difficult to take another human beings life into your hands. So I salute you sir for caring and being a light in the challenging field of healthcare and thank you for being someone who cares and shares. Peace & Blessings sir.

[@dgm100100]

I respect you so much Doc, thanks for being real, and for the tips on how to prevent burn out and depression.

[@Bill-st1oi]

Dr. Webb, As a member of your community and avid youtube follower, I appreciate this video a lot. I watched your videos throughout college and applied to medical school this past cycle. I got into one medical school. I accepted the offer in Jan. but by the time enrollment came, I decided this route was not for me. I have seen all the sacrifices that are made in order to take care of others as a physician in today's world, but I saw these sacrifices take a toll on the self and loved ones. As much as I would like to say I care about my fellow human, I care more about my family and friends, and this career didn't have that balance I was looking for. I decided to teach physical ed. and love what I do now. Thank you for detailing the goal I was looking for in a way that helped me make a career decision that I love.

[@karinross66]

The Pandemic definitely affected this. Building the practice, adjusting to Attending. And trying to do it all during a historical event.

[@triplevitalitytv4260]

Thanks for sharing and being transparent with everyone Dr. Webb. We all appreciate it and learn from it!

[@LJ-cp6qs]

This video is SO important. Thanks for sharing Dr. Webb.

[@vv7315]

Thanks for sharing. As a 4th year med student who is about to find out the match result on Monday, I must say that medicine IS the most stressful career That is out there. I had personally fallen into depression a few times throughout med school and I have known someone from my school that had committed suicide during PGY1 year… so this shit is real.. as much as I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for a tough intern year ahead, your video reminds me that depression can easily fall on me again. What had helped me in the past is to think about my family. They give me the reasons to live, to not quit. I will keep that in mind. I have also seeked counseling from my school which also helped.

[@mrmcbeth]

I am very glad you made this video. I can't agree more with removing the stigma surrounding depression. Suffering from depression/burnout in silence is senseless. I quietly suffered through it last year until I realized my symptoms were getting worse. It took five months from the onset to get back on track. I took a multifaceted approach. Talk therapy with close friends and psychologists, writing/journaling, and reframing my mind were the most effective for me. I am currently working to form short and long term self care strategies to keep the burnout at bay. As a disclaimer, this is not medical advice. I am sharing to reveal that this happens, and it's completely ok to seek help. In fact, not only is it ok, it's imperative.

[@ruthquetant7375]

Thank you so much for Speaking out about this subject! Many suffer from work related depression in silence! You have and continue to be an inspiration to me and many others! May God Bless you and continue to guide your steps!

[@vitorptm]

Thank you for sharing, as a 3rd year gen.surgery resident at a major hospital this just resonates so much with me. Nice to feel validated and that I’m not the only one going through this type of issue.

[@nina_frel]

I feel you! Going through some very hard times myself with burnout as a physician myself. I hope we bounce from this.

[@KiwikimNZ]

Hugs and thank you so much for all of your hard work x a nurse from New Zealand xx

[@amirakhlaghi7634]

Appreciate you posting this video. I am a 29 years old mechanical engineer. I quit my 90K job two weeks ago to be a pre med student. I am slightly scared after watching the video. In spite of that, I am still very motivated 💪🏻

[@eduardocod8924]

Uffff good luck

[@antoniowebbmd]

Keeping going. Despite the hardships and challenges, I LOVE what I do. There is nothing else like it 🙏🏾

[@kierra5498]

I left Engineering to pursue dentistry. I got into different out of state schools, but ultimately will do a masters program to go to my in state schools. My in state school will cost me $0, but they said i must maintain all Bs… the out of state schools will cost $300k Good luck on your journey

[@amirakhlaghi7634]

@@kierra5498 thank you for your comment. Did you leave engineering after you graduated or did you change your major from engineering while you were doing your undergraduate? Thanks

[@kierra5498]

@@amirakhlaghi7634 i graduated may 2020 in engineering. Worked a year, quit, and started taking pre reqs summer 2021

[@doristhecoder765]

I forwarded this to a client of mine who is also a physician. He had been dealing with a lot lately and I think it is helpful for him to hear from someone who can relate to him. Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability.

[@moemenmohammed9562]

I am really grateful and thankful that you've raised this issue to the public, personally speaking I suffered from depression for about 8 months during my third year of medical school. I didn't want anyone from the surrounding to know what I am going into so I didn't seek any help, it was really tough because I fulfilled the criteria of MDD apart from suicidal thoughts. The only thing that has helped me is starting working out every day in addition to building small goals on the short term and trying to achieve them. It did work and I am glad to say that these days have gone and I became a better person.

[@DigitalNomadPhysicians]

It's incredible that you shared this. Depression and burnout in medicine are big issues. I am not sure if medicine is in fact among the highest to experience such issues - I think it's equally prevalent in other professions but unfortunately when you're responsible for taking care of patients and you feel this way it's really hard to be an effective physician. I dealt with burnout in a more retaliatory way and decided I would leave medicine by saving money, paying down my debt, and getting into a different field. I did that and it was good but after some healing I appreciate what medicine offers. I can only do about 2 hours a day these days of medicine but I've increased my hourly rate enough and built the kind of online practice for myself that's sustainable. We'll see how it morphs in the future.

[@johnwilson5280]

Hey Dr. Webb, thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your experiences. I’m a pre PA student and I definitely hit those lows when I felt like giving up on my dreams of being a PA. I made it through and was recently accepted to a top program in the country. I think my advice for anyone struggling is focus on your wellness in the moment but also don’t lose sight of your end goal. For me, it’s owning a nice piece of land out in the country and starting a family. As long as you work hard and take care of yourself, nothing is impossible. Hope this helps :)

[@markberrios7264]

I have your exact dream in owning a home farther from the city with my significant other. I’m having a mid life crisis at 19 being a sophomore in college in choosing between PA or med school

[@johnwilson5280]

@@markberrios7264 hey mark! That’s sweet that u have the same dream. It’s a tough decision to make between MD and PA. I also made that same choice as a sophomore in college haha. If u ever need advice or wanna talk through that choice, lmk!

[@ericlitman7255]

Thank you Dr. Webb for opening up dialogue regarding this incredibly important topic. You are a warrior for carrying on this tumultuous path. As a medical student, I can relate and sympathize with these ideas.

[@AldO-HPB]

Thank you for this earnest video. It is very apt and timely. I am finishing my 3rd year of fellowship in HPB and liver transplant surgery, after already completing 5 years of general surgery prior to that. It has been very rough physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, causing depression and anxiety, especially with all the sacrifices made, and time and energy invested in this very long marathon. I did not even want any greetings on my birthday yesterday so kept it with people who already knew. When I watched your past videos, I never thought you would be someone to go through those cycles; someone who was leading the ideal course from training to practice. So I truly appreciate you keeping it real as you are helping many burnt out clinical trainees and those with challenges early in their practice, to continue to have hope, or at least know they are not alone. All the best with your practice, and continue to use this platform to motivate, inspire, and perhaps even save others on the brink.

[@rufio171]

Im a second year resident and thanks for this video, you always just need to find time to do the things that you like. What people should know about med school is most of them are pass/fail now to take stress off, and then the biggest board exam in your life which you take after your second year of med school, was changed to pass/fail as of last year to take stress off.

[@venom_dave]

Wait want do u mean pass/fail?

[@rufio171]

@@venom_dave theres non difference between scoring 100 or 70 on a test

[@venom_dave]

@@rufio171 there’s no difference between scoring an 100 or 70? No way? So wait what’s the fail? And how did u get into medical school im in first year of college at community college

[@FaTaLthe13th]

Ik my job isn’t close to as stressful as yours but I’m a new paramedic for about 5 months now and I’m just mentally drained . It feels like every call I could’ve done something better and I’m always second guessing myself and it’s exhausting . I appreciate you posting this video because it shows me no matter what profession you’re in , they’ll always will be some doubt and depression . I look up to your surgeons a lot, what you all do is amazing . Thank you.

[@michele3631]

You are doing good and important work as a paramedic. Thank you for working hard to help others

[@annareisman1643]

Never posted on U-Tube before, but as a fellow paramedic for 25 plus years.. Know that it takes about two years to feel confidant. I was a mess the 1st year, diarrhea/headaches everyday. Do your best on every call and that's all you can do.

[@FaTaLthe13th]

@@annareisman1643 25 years ??!! That’s amazing! Thank you for your hard work and thank you for passing down your advice. Medics like you really do make a difference for our fellow providers and patients👍🏾

[@bishopanyiwe4470]

Great video! Thanks for sharing your story and being so open. It definitely was helpful and insightful for me. Been following you since your g4 resident videos. Your passion and empathy emulates in every video, keep persevering!

[@DrWAS101]

Thanks for being vulnerable. This is so prevalent and not talked about. That's why I think it's important to have channels like yours and mine that help healthcare students to be well rounded, and also take care of themselves while taking care of others.

[@antoniowebbmd]

Thank you so much!

[@Stephanie-ul6lq]

I’ve been an ER attending for 3.5 years now and have been burnt out especially during the pandemic. It’s been incredibly busy in the ED and having to see most patients from the waiting room since not enough rooms or nurses to take care of the patients. I already worked hard prior to the pandemic, but now it’s just in a constant state of chaos with not enough staff to manage all these patients. It’s caused some real burn out for sure. I’ve learned to meditate and try to be grateful for what I have instead of focusing on all the things that were not going right, which has helped a lot but it’s difficult and a conscious choice I’ve had to do everyday so I don’t get depressed.

[@Art_Of_Stew]

Are there really not enough rooms, or is staffing the bigger issue?

[@ninner196]

@@Art_Of_Stew both. People are more sick, higher acuity and lack of staff even porters, supporting staff to help move the traffic. 😊

[@pagandeva2000]

I can appreciate your honesty.

[@antoniowebbmd]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@omarb2653]

@@antoniowebbmd I love the intellectual aspect of medicine, I love biochem and anatomy so much. And I love extending my empathetic care to people. Sometimes I’m afraid dealing with death will make me depressed though. Thanks for your transparency

[@machomano207]

A very timely video for me. Talked to my mom today, and she off-handedly asked if I was depressed. I laughed it off, but later realized… I am. As I kept thinking about it, I realized it was wholeheartedly because I haven’t been taking care of myself. Running and being physically active is huge for me, and I have been compromising that due to my increase load and responsibilities. Cheers to being more open about it, and double cheers to putting yourself first 🥂

[@Music.n.medicine]

Love you for being so vulnerable with us here. So so grateful to hear your experience and to know that in my suffering and struggles as a training physician, I am not alone. Thank you for posting something so real.

[@adequatequality]

I really admire and respect all the veteran medical staff members still around treating and diagnosing patients. It's a difficult road from student to resident to full time practitioner. In this very unforgiving world, we really appreciate y'all ♥️

[@Amorphous_Sand]

Man, I felt this hard during my Senior year of college soon after taking the MCAT. I'm still dealing with it, but here's a list of things I've done to mitigate: 1) Exercise. I hate hearing this cliche, as a person who doesn't enjoy exercise (I'm okay with sports, but going to the gym is lame imo), and even if it doesn't erase everything, the activity helps a lot. 2) Get professional help. It took me years to finally do it, but the depression made me act differently at home in a way that family/peers simply weren't equipped to deal with, regularly. They can also help parse out other stressors in your life to sort things out. At the very least, find a confidant that you trust. Letting emotions remain pent up hurts you before you even realize it. 3) Recognize the voice inside you telling you to give up, and face it. Every day, you might debate doing your responsibilities, leaving the house, let alone getting out of bed. Every time I ignore those thoughts, I feel so much better, but my brain doesn't allow me to remember the lesson the next time I have the same debate with myself.

[@johnwcarver]

This was one of the most transparent and beautiful videos I have seen in a long time. Thank you for being the real deal. Much respect to you.

[@antoniowebbmd]

Appreciate!

[@kaycoleman407]

Thanks for sharing Dr. Webb. Prayers up 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@pekarnicka]

what i find most stressful in a medical college is the possibility of dropping out, and essentially anything youve learned up until that point is thrown out the window, with no return back

[@Pedant_Patrol]

Scary thought indeed; but sometimes we just need to make a change.

[@adamamingo4592]

Sometimes you must take the risk in other to move.

[@Object1ve]

I used to want to be a doctor. Got into the clinical side of the hospital right when the pandemic started. I no longer wish to pursue the goal of being a doctor. I don’t the stress, I don’t want the hours, I don’t want my job to become my life. Took me awhile to come to the decision but once I felt like it was the right one there was a huge weight lifted off my chest.

[@whocares1848]

It’s not everybody can be doctor that’s why md school is hard to get in

[@Object1ve]

@@whocares1848 what does any of what you just said have to do with what I said? Did you even watch the video? Med school isn’t the stressful part. He talked about the stress of being an attending. You have a significantly higher chance of getting into medical school than becoming a professional athlete. Relax

[@kevinboone2178]

@@Object1ve HEAR, here!

[@kesnerhaughton4094]

I have been following your channel for years, however this was the one video that really pushed me to subscribe. I love how honest your videos are. Your transparency is highly respected and appreciated. Thank you Dr.Webb

[@TheCrypticFox1]

Thanks for this, Dr. Webb! I ran into you at life time at the RIM about a year ago. Since then, you have encouraged me so much on my premed journey.