My patient’s near-death experience in hospital left me with worry and guilt. This is how vicarious trauma starts

‘Vicarious trauma is bad for the provider and bad for the patient because a provider who is not whole cannot provide care that is whole,’ writes Ranjana Srivastava. Photograph: FG Trade/Getty Images

“And who are you?” Tracking the voice, I realise the nurse is talking to me.

“I’m the physician looking after the patient.”