“Put down the scalpel just to take your call?” — Female doctor calls out unrealistic expectations

A female doctor has shared a troubling experience highlighting the unrealistic expectations some people place on professionals, even in life-and-death situations.

A call during surgery

The doctor explained that she missed a phone call while performing surgery. When she returned the call to explain, the person on the other end reacted in a way that shocked her.

“I know you are working but it doesn’t cost you anything to pause whatever you are doing and talk to me for me a second the same way I do whenever I call,” she recalled him saying.

The comment, she said, failed to acknowledge the critical nature of her work and the responsibility she held for her patient’s life.

Life on the line

The doctor emphasised that her professional duties cannot be put on hold for casual communication.

“In my head, I’m like what do you mean I should put down the scalpel, unscrub, abandon a life on the table just so I can pick your call,” she said.

She added that this encounter reflects a broader misunderstanding of the demands placed on healthcare professionals and the need for respect for their time and responsibilities.

Her story has sparked conversation about boundaries, prioritising urgent responsibilities, and respecting professionals who dedicate their lives to critical work.

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