"Moral Injury" from Treating Gun Injuries

Trauma surgeons may see “the equivalent of a mass shooting every 2.5 months”—clusters of 4 or more gunshot victims–contributing to burnout or “moral injury.” Per a 2014 survey, 40% of trauma surgeons have PTSD symptoms and 15% meet criteria for PTSD diagnosis.

But physicians are fighting back against burnout with advocacy like #ThisIsOurLane
—the social media response to the NRA’s malicious “stay in your lane” Tweet—and by publishing research showing impacts of gun violence and supporting tighter gun regulation legislation.

“Working in advocacy is a way to deal with burnout,” says trauma surgeon Jessica Beard.

Reuters