No one talks about the secondary trauma of working in medicine, living out worst nightmares, day after day.
16 weeks pregnant, Drops dead. Presumed AFE.
Raped, miscarries. Alone in the trauma bay. A speculum exam Traumatizes us both.
Walk back down the hall. Plaster a smile to my face. Don’t think. Don’t process. Just do.
Secondary Victims, Literature by Jessie Smith, MD
Jessie Smith, MD
OB-GYN
A second year OB-GYN resident who frequently has to function at the ends of the emotional spectrum. Writing provides time to pause and process these emotions, as well as find joy and meaning amidst the chaos.
Voices from the Housestaff:
2023, "Secondary Victims"
2023, "16:23"
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