There is an interesting and sometimes unfortunate phenomenon that occurs in the lives of physicians that I think requires more study. It pertains to observations I have made over the last 20 years in my conversations with physicians who have committed themselves to very demanding practices.

I have noticed very busy physicians often find themselves challenged with someone in their own family, usually a spouse, who succumbs to some form of chronic illness (usually a mental illness). At first one might simply explain this away by saying that this can happen to anyone. Yes, that is true however it is my hypothesis that an epidemiological study of this phenomenon in the lives of physicians might reveal an incidence that is somewhat higher than in the general population.

After giving some thought to this I am concluding that physicians are at greater risk of this phenomenon occurring in their lives. I hope to explain why this should be.

It has been my experience that some physicians tend to, knowingly or unknowingly, draw to themselves individuals who are unconsciously looking to them for emotional rescue. It appears to be the nature of the profession for physicians to become, if they are not careful, lightening rods for drawing individuals with immature personality characteristics who are skilled enough in eliciting sympathy from them. Physicians who themselves are narcissistically invested in being able to rescue others are at greatest risk for such unfortunate occurrences.

Early on in a relationship, as in many relationships, the full form of the dysfunctionality that is to manifest remains dormant. Infatuation and romance often leaves a trail of naivet