The Podcast by KevinMD Eldest daughter syndrome explains the hidden cause of physician burnout
Jan 3, 2026
In this insightful discussion, Jessie Mahoney, a board-certified pediatrician and certified coach, delves into the profound impact of the 'eldest daughter syndrome' on physician burnout. She highlights how firstborn women are often conditioned to shoulder excessive responsibilities, leading to stress and resentment. Jessie connects these early roles to burnout in healthcare, emphasizing the need for self-awareness and setting boundaries. Practical steps for reclaiming balance are shared, making this conversation a crucial listen for those navigating the challenges of caregiving in medicine.
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Eldest Daughter Role Explains Burnout Risk
- Many women in medicine are eldest daughters and carry an over-responsible role from childhood.
- Recognizing this origin gives agency to choose different patterns rather than self-blame.
Childhood Rewards Become Professional Expectations
- Eldest daughters develop hyper-responsibility, hypervigilance, and avoid asking for help from a very young age.
- Those rewarded childhood behaviors become expectations that medicine amplifies and exploits.
Early Caretaking: Raising A Much Younger Sibling
- Jessie describes stepping into raising a sibling and how eldest daughters often shoulder household logistics.
- She gives examples of young children organizing family travel and caretaking roles that start before age eight.