Are doctors allowed to cry at work?

Abstract

This article recounts a poignant interaction between the author and a mother of a child with cerebral palsy. The mother's remarkable strength and optimism in the face of adversity deeply moved the author, leading to a tearful moment which prompted a comforting response from the mother. The ongoing debate regarding whether doctors are allowed to display emotions in their professional lives centers around the challenge of balancing professionalism with the emotional impact of providing healthcare to patients. While doctors are expected to uphold professionalism and make sound decisions in their work environment, simultaneous expression of emotions, empathy, and vulnerabilities becomes inevitable.