Physicians' health care

Introduction: The programs of the Medicine Careers of Córdoba do not describe aspects related to the management of the doctor-patient relationship when the patient is a colleague. The main objective is to describe these aspects. Material and methods: An observational, prospective, cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out. A validated survey was sent by email to doctors in Córdoba, Argentina. Results: Of the 225 physicians who responded, 76% did not have a family doctor. The youngest and those who attend in the public sphere made up this group (p<0,0002 and p<0.04 respectively). 86,2% self-medicated in the last year. Self-medication was more frequent among young physicians (p<0,0008) and with fewer years of professional practice (p<0,003). This group, regardless of whether they worked in the public or private sphere, continued to work despite having some disease and although they could have requested sick leave. The oldest doctors (p<0,0002) and with more than 25 years of professional practice experienced assisting colleagues (p<0,0002). 74,2% did not modify clinical care, but 82,7% answered that at some point they did commit more than usual. Conclusion: Young doctors do not have a family doctor, resort to self-medication, request less sick leave, even though they need it, and have little experience treating colleagues. Content should be incorporated during undergraduate and graduate medicine training that address the risks of illness and self-medication for physicians, how to seek the best care for their own health and that of their colleague.