Having grown up in Egypt, I’ve seen first-hand how fragile and unequal healthcare systems can be. Access to doctors was not always guaranteed, and if you couldn’t afford private care, you often went without. So when I moved to the UK, I developed a real admiration, even love, for the NHS. A system where you could see a doctor without worrying about the cost felt like a privilege.
But admiration doesn’t mean ignoring its struggles. In my recent conversation with Fiona, one statistic shook me to my core: in the UK, a doctor dies by suicide every three weeks.
That’s not just a number. That’s colleagues, neighbours, and the very people we turn to when we’re most vulnerable.
Behind the White Coat
We often forget that doctors are human beings before they are professionals. They carry impossible expectations, but rarely the permission to show vulnerability. Fiona described the “silent burnout” facing so many GPs, ten-minute appointments stacked one after the other, endless admin, and the constant fear of missing something critical.
It’s no wonder so many are exhausted. And yet, most still show up every day with compassion and care for their patients.
A Blast from the Past
When I was younger, I remember the doctors in my community being treated almost like superheroes. They were admired, respected, and placed on pedestals. But behind closed doors, many were exhausted, overworked, and stretched too thin.
Hearing Fiona’s words brought that memory rushing back. The white coat hides a lot: sleepless nights, emotional strain, and sometimes, a crushing sense of isolation.
Why Mental Health Still Feels Taboo
Even today, mental health in medicine carries a stigma. Doctors are expected to be strong, to cope, to absorb the pain of others without faltering. But who cares for the carers?
The NHS has given us so much, but the conversation around doctor wellbeing lags behind. Support systems are patchy, and too often, those who need help the most are the least likely to ask for it.
Moving Forward
This doesn’t have to be the story forever. Recognising burnout, normalising therapy for doctors, and creating safe spaces for honesty could save lives. Doctors aren’t superheroes. They’re human and they need care, too.
If we want a stronger NHS, we need to look after the people who hold it together.
Listen Now
Fiona’s story is a reminder of the hidden toll behind the consultation room door. To hear her powerful insights, listen to the full episode of The Visionary Podcast.
-Written by host Hala Ali
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 