Surgeon, don't heal thyself: a study of the health of Australasian urologists.

BACKGROUND: Modern surgical practice is stressful and anxiety-producing. We investigated urologists health and their attitude to their own health care.

METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-five Australasian urologists were surveyed to ascertain their attitudes to their physical and psychological health; 205 responses were received.

RESULTS: Ten per cent reported serious physical illnesses. Fewer than half had their own general practitioner (GP), and fewer than one-third had seen a doctor in the previous 12 months. A majority had, at some time, prescribed themselves medication, including antibiotics, narcotic and non-narcotic analgesia and benzodiazepams. Nearly all reported that aspects of their urological practice caused them anxiety. More felt that this anxiety was the result of pressures experienced outside the operating theatre than 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 urologists were unwilling to discuss any psychological problems that they may have. Even when a specific problem had been identified, few sought the appropriate care.

CONCLUSIONS: It would be advantageous for Australasian urologists and doctors in general to see their GP more regularly, and be more willing to discuss any psychological difficulties that they may experience.