feelings that surround a difficult or tragic medical event like the death of a child HUMANISM VIA SELF-CARE Important to any discussion of humanism is the aspect of self-care The ED physician must feel well in order to help others The physician who is burned out, fatigued, or depressed is not in a good position to help others Thus, self-care must be included in any consideration of humanism Selfcare means healing or resolving relationships that are frayed or in danger It also means making sure one is physically healthy Mental health issues are also prevalent in the ED physician such as posttraumatic stress syndrome, anxiety, and depression It is important to work in an environment where these conditions are recognized and cared for without shame or humiliation Narrative medicine has been suggested as a way to help sort through thoughts and feelings that arise in the workplace Writing about events, relationships with patients and colleagues, and internal feelings is often therapeutic and helpful in keeping the physician’s humanism alive and well SUMMARY While we strive for the utmost in professional behavior in our colleagues and ourselves, we also recognize that we are human beings filled with emotions, thoughts, and feelings Patients expect both our highest professional standards but they also long for the human connection between their care providers and themselves in order that they feel safe, secure, and their fears are addressed Balancing professionalism and humanism is what makes for the art of medicine Suggested Readings and Key References ABIM Foundation American Board of Internal Medicine; ACP-ASIM Foundation American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine; European Federation of Internal Medicine Medical professionalism in the new millennium: a physician charter Ann Intern Med 2002;136(3):243–246 Baker DP, Salas E, King H, et al The role of teamwork in the professional education of physicians: current status and assessment recommendations