Why does The Stoic Doctor exist?

Whoever introduced the idea that medicine is noble should stab their toe on a table in perpetuity. You'd be hard-pressed to find a single practicing doctor who would say that with their guard down and a straight face.

Actual medicine is like the greasy engine of a shiny car. Looks good, but if you go under the hood you get dirty.

People fight, doctors are burned out, meds don't work, procedures have complications and people die. There's a constant barrage of suffocating information and a metallic taste of overly inflated egos. In healthcare we see death, hear suffering and smell fear. We feel chills before exams and question our wits during classes. Nobility is notably absent.

This is not meant to crush you. This is meant to readjust expectations for what comes next. For each problem, we'll explore solutions.

The Stoic Doctor exists for those who touch medicine and want to step away from it.

Everything you're going through already happened. Maybe not to you, but to other people. Some of those other people weren't doctors. Some of them are even dead. But they left behind a pool of knowledge. People from all walks of life thought about the things you think about and did the things you're afraid to do. They somehow managed.

There are millions of medical students and doctors in the world. They will touch the lives of billions more throughout their careers. If just 0.1% of healthcare professionals prioritise personal responsibility early on and focus on becoming well-rounded individuals first who take time to reflect on life (even occasionally), the net benefit to humanity would be immensely positive. Be part of the 0.1%!

The Stoic Doctor is a community for medical students and doctors looking for a little bit of philosophical inspiration and humor to help them navigate the complexities of medicine.

The Stoic Doctor is meant to be your support group.

Membership to the newsletter is free for most posts.

If you want more, you can upgrade for full access for just $9/month (or $70/year) if you subscribe now.

For $9/month (or $70/year), you can join the community and read original articles with thought-provoking advice to help you thrive in a chaotic medical system that feels like it doesn't care about you.

You can share your thoughts and contribute to a better future. You will read about the weirdness of medicine, and be heard by someone who understands you.

In essence, The Stoic Doctor is an email subscription newsletter designed by a doctor to help future doctors.

Each email is written from scratch by me. I'm a Vascular Surgeon with a candid passion for helping you, and a background in working for medical education non-profits for over a decade. I've interacted with hundreds of medical students and I've heard their worries – some about medicine itself, but some larger than life. These are not just their worries. They were mine, and they are probably yours too.

I’ve been there and I know how much medicine sucks sometimes.

Once a week, while relaxing in your favorite spot, you'll open your email and find a freshly typed email from The Stoic Doctor. It will flow. You will go through it in just a few minutes, but the ideas inside will probably stick with you for years.

This isn't your ordinary, stuffy philosophy newsletter, nor does it resemble medical textbooks.

Rest assured, it will not contain actual medical information.

It will, however, make you a better doctor by inviting you to contemplate the intersection of medicine with completely different fields. I promise to keep it light, engaging, and maybe even a little bit funny. These emails will challenge you to think deeply about your role as a medical professional and inspire you to be the best human you can be.

It’s time for a modern (kinder) take on stoic principles, adapted for healthcare professionals.

So don't struggle alone!

Join The Stoic Doctor and let me support you on your journey. Your $7 per month will keep the lights on for this community, but your returns will far outweigh the price. It will make you part of the 0.1%.

You'll get advice, guidance, and humorous musings on the quirks and absurdities of the medical system.

Subscribe and get in the pilot seat!