Medical Worker Burnout, Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue

We all know that the COVID pandemic has taken a toll on healthcare workers. But how was their mental health before the pandemic? 

Today’s guest, Dr. Rola Hallam, has opened 7 hospitals in Syria as part of her humanitarian work. Dr. Hallam shares with us that compassion fatigue isn’t really about compassion or fatigue, it’s more likely trauma from having large amounts of empathy.

To learn more -- or read the transcript -- visit the show's official episode page.

Guest Bio

Dr. Rola Hallam is an award-winning doctor, humanitarian, campaigner, speaker, social entrepreneur, and trauma-informed life coach.

She has been honored with several awards and is also the first Syrian TED Fellow and founder of CanDo — a humanitarian organization supporting frontline health and aid workers to save children’s lives in their war-devastated communities. She has helped build 7 hospitals in Syria, including the first ever crowdfunded hospital, together reaching over 4 million people.

An advocate for the protection of healthcare, healthcare workers, and civilians in conflict, Dr. Hallam has shared global stages with presidents, celebrities, and grassroots activists, and her work has been featured in media from the New York Times to The Daily Show, including two BBC documentaries. Her online talks have been seen over 11 million times, inspiring thousands.

Inside Mental Health Podcast Host

Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author.

Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can’t imagine life without.

To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com.

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