When the weather is cold and the shifts are long and you’re tired of empty political promises and media criticism, it can be hard to see any joy in this job. With that in mind, the BMJ is running a #bringmejoy campaign, which is asking doctors, ‘what brings you joy in your work?’.
In the spirit of the season, the journal spoke with six doctors about what brings them joy.
As Dr Sally El-Ghazali eloquently says: “I am fortunate to be able to say that I love my job. Sure, some days are tough, with challenging cases, long hours, and early starts. But as well as deriving great satisfaction from helping patients, I also really enjoy working with my colleagues. Giving our patients the best possible care that we can thanks to our mutual respect and teamwork is what gives me the most joy."
Dr El-Ghazali is an anaesthetics and intensive care registrar and chair of the Association of Anaesthetists Trainee Committee. She went on to say that: “My colleagues have become my work family as well as being amazing friends and wise mentors. It is their words of advice, the shoulders to cry on, the moral support, the laughs, the much-needed hugs, the shared lunch breaks, the rota swaps, and the coffee deliveries that have got me through.”
The BMJ is inviting others to share their thoughts on what brings them joy using #bringmejoy.
