In this episode of Muted in Medicine, host Saba Fatima speaks with Dr. Will Bynum about the pervasive issue of shame in the medical field. Dr. Bynum shares his personal journey with shame stemming from a medical error during his residency, highlighting the emotional turmoil and isolation that often accompanies such experiences. The conversation delves into the cultural factors that perpetuate shame in healthcare, including perfectionism and the stigma surrounding vulnerability. Dr. Bynum emphasizes the need for open discussions about shame and the importance of creating supportive environments in medical education and practice. The episode concludes with reflections on how to navigate struggles in medical training and the role of grading and ranking in shaping self-worth among medical learners. In this conversation, Will Bynum and Saba Fatima explore the complexities of shame, its impact on personal growth, and the importance of shame competence in various contexts, including parenting and medical education. They discuss practical strategies for managing shame, recognizing it in others, and fostering a supportive environment that encourages self-compassion and emotional literacy. The dialogue emphasizes the need for awareness and understanding of shame as a universal human experience, particularly in professional settings.


Will Bynum, MD, PhD is an Associate Professor of Family Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine and a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He received his M.D. at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in 2010, completed his residency with the US Air Force and received his Ph.D. in Health Professions Education at Maastricht University in the Netherlands in 2023, where defended his thesis entitled “Out of the shadows: a qualitative exploration of shame in medical learners”, which was awarded best Doctoral Dissertation by the Association for Medical Education in Europe. He has published and spoken widely on the topic of shame and is Co-Founder and Co-Director of The Shame Lab, which conducts research, develops training, and delivers consultancy to advance constructive engagement with shame in professional practice

takeaways
Shame is a common yet invisible emotion in medicine.
Medical errors can lead to feelings of isolation and shame.
Human connection is a source of joy in medicine.
Struggle is a normal part of the learning process.
Perfectionism in medicine can exacerbate feelings of shame.
Shame can hinder open communication among healthcare professionals.
Creating supportive environments can help mitigate shame.
Medical education often perpetuates a culture of shame.
Grading and ranking can negatively impact self-worth.
Engaging with shame can lead to personal and professional growth. You can hold them accountable to things that shame otherwise might have impeded accountability.
Children need to learn about failure, but at what age?
Instilling effort and self-worth in children is crucial.
Authentic self-worth should not be tied to achievement.
Shame competence is a set of skills we can learn.
Shame is a distributed emotion that affects everyone.
Recognizing shame in ourselves and others is essential.
Self-compassion is a vital tool for managing shame.
Treating ourselves with kindness can transform our experiences.
Feeling shame is a sign of our hu

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the 'Muted in Medicine' podcast or its host. The information shared is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.

© 2024 Muted in Medicine. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, distribution, or reproduction of this content is strictly prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact mutedinmedicine@gmail.com