Doctors and their families

Abstract

Objective This article reflects on the relationship between doctors and their families and how it influences a doctor’s health, well-being and practice and the health and well-being of other family members. It uses an established model for conceptualising this recursive relationship, drawing on systemic and communications theory, coordinated management of meaning. The article invites doctors to reflect on relational influences between them and their families across the course of their career and following retirement. Conclusion Families are important to, and influence, the well-being of their doctor-members. Likewise, doctors are important to, and influence, the health and well-being of their families.