Eldest daughter syndrome explains the hidden cause of physician burnout

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Recorded03 Jan 2026

Publisherkevinmd.libsyn.com ↗

Handlerec:15078634

Show notes

Board-certified pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article "The burden of the eldest daughter." Jessie explores the unique psychological weight carried by firstborn women who are taught early on to hold everything together at the cost of their own well-being. She connects this childhood role to the high rates of burnout among women in health care where hyper-preparedness and self-sacrifice are rewarded until the body eventually breaks down. The conversation examines how the eldest daughter effect creates a cycle of over-responsibility that leads to resentment and even physical illness. Healing begins when we learn to release the need to be indispensable and start saying yes only when it aligns with our own needs. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

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