Common Doctor Superstitions and Their Psychological Roots

The History of Superstitions in Medicine

Superstitions have been around for centuries, embedded in the fabric of many cultures worldwide. Medicine, as a practice, has evolved through trial and error, ancient rituals, and even mystical beliefs. Before the advent of modern medical science, treatments were often based on theories rooted in religion, magic, and superstition. While today’s medical professionals base their decisions on research and clinical evidence, old habits and beliefs can be hard to shake.

Ancient Medical Practices Rooted in Superstition

1. Bloodletting and Humors
   In ancient times, doctors believed that an imbalance in the body's four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) caused illness. To restore balance, treatments like bloodletting were common. Although this practice was based on a medical theory at the time, it was steeped in superstition, as many believed it was linked to the moon and stars' influence.
2. Chanting and Amulets
   Physicians in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia often recited incantations or wore amulets during surgeries, believing that these actions would protect both the doctor and patient from evil spirits. Even though such practices have faded in mainstream medicine, remnants of these ancient rituals can still be seen today.

Common Superstitions Among Doctors

Although most modern physicians will tell you that they do not subscribe to superstitions, many continue to engage in small, seemingly irrational rituals in their day-to-day work. These superstitions often arise from habit or are passed down from mentors or colleagues during medical training. Below are some of the most commonly reported superstitions among doctors:

1. The “Q” Word

In many hospitals, especially emergency departments and operating rooms, saying the word “quiet” during a shift is considered bad luck. Mentioning that things are “quiet” is believed to jinx the rest of the shift, leading to a sudden influx of patients or unexpected complications. This superstition is so ingrained in medical culture that many doctors and nurses actively avoid the word.

2. Lucky Scrubs or Gloves

Some doctors believe in wearing the same scrubs or gloves for important surgeries, attributing successful outcomes to these "lucky" items. While the choice of clothing has no bearing on surgical outcomes, this ritualistic behavior offers doctors a sense of control and comfort in a highly stressful environment.

3. Pre-Surgery Rituals

Many surgeons have specific rituals they follow before every surgery. Some may tap the patient’s bed twice before proceeding, while others always take a deep breath or say a short phrase. These actions are often unconscious and offer psychological comfort, reducing anxiety before a complex or high-stakes procedure.

4. Avoiding Full Moons

The full moon has long been associated with chaos and unpredictability, and many healthcare professionals believe that the lunar cycle influences patient behavior and emergency room visits. While studies have debunked this myth, doctors often report anecdotally that full moons coincide with more accidents, psychiatric emergencies, and challenging cases.

5. Naming Body Parts

Some doctors avoid referring to certain body parts or conditions by name when discussing a patient, especially in situations involving severe trauma or critical illness. For instance, orthopedic surgeons may refrain from saying “broken bone” before a procedure, while cardiologists may avoid discussing cardiac arrest directly.

6. The Power of the White Coat

The traditional white coat, a symbol of the medical profession, is often treated with a certain reverence. Some doctors believe that their first white coat brings luck and are reluctant to replace it. This belief may stem from the powerful symbolism of the white coat itself, representing authority, knowledge, and the responsibility of healing.

Psychological Benefits of Superstitions

Although these superstitions may seem irrational, there is a psychological explanation for why they persist. For doctors, superstitions can serve as coping mechanisms in an environment characterized by high stress and uncertainty.

1. Sense of Control

Medicine is full of unpredictability, and even the most experienced doctors cannot always predict outcomes. Engaging in rituals or following superstitions provides a sense of control over situations that may otherwise feel uncontrollable. Even if a doctor knows logically that a ritual has no bearing on the outcome, the act of performing it can reduce anxiety.

2. Reducing Performance Anxiety

Surgery, emergency care, and other high-pressure specialties require doctors to perform under extreme stress. Superstitions, like wearing lucky scrubs or following pre-surgery rituals, help reduce performance anxiety by offering a familiar routine in the face of daunting challenges.

3. Reinforcement from Positive Outcomes

Superstitions are often reinforced when they coincide with positive outcomes. For example, a doctor who wears a particular pair of gloves during a successful surgery may associate that success with the gloves, even if it was their skill and experience that made the difference. This reinforcement leads to the perpetuation of the behavior.

Cultural Variations in Medical Superstitions

Superstitions vary not only between individual doctors but also across different cultures. In some countries, medical superstitions are deeply ingrained in both the healthcare system and the patient population.

1. Asian Medicine

In countries like China and Japan, traditional medicine practices often incorporate elements of superstition. For example, the belief in "qi" (life energy) and the balance of yin and yang are central to Chinese medicine. While not superstitions in the traditional Western sense, these beliefs still influence medical practices today.

2. European Practices

In some European countries, especially in rural areas, there is still a reliance on folk remedies and superstitions. In places like Greece and Italy, some healthcare professionals may still be influenced by the "evil eye" or believe in the protective power of religious icons in hospitals.

3. African and Middle Eastern Beliefs

Superstitions around health and illness in Africa and the Middle East often involve religious or spiritual beliefs. For instance, in some regions, illness may be attributed to a curse or punishment from a higher power, leading to the use of rituals and prayers alongside medical treatment.

Evidence vs. Belief: Where Do We Draw the Line?

While superstitions in medicine can offer psychological benefits, they can also be dangerous if they conflict with evidence-based practice. Doctors must strike a balance between their personal beliefs and the demands of science. Relying too heavily on superstition may lead to delayed treatment, incorrect diagnoses, or a lack of trust in proven interventions.

1. The Role of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM)

Evidence-based medicine has revolutionized healthcare by emphasizing the use of research and clinical data in making medical decisions. Doctors are trained to rely on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and other forms of high-quality evidence when treating patients. However, EBM doesn’t always account for the human need for comfort and control, which superstitions provide.

2. Patient Superstitions

Patients, too, bring their own superstitions into the clinical setting. From refusing certain medications to insisting on specific treatments due to personal or cultural beliefs, doctors often have to navigate these superstitions while still providing optimal care. Understanding and respecting patient beliefs can enhance the doctor-patient relationship, but doctors must be careful not to compromise the quality of care in doing so.

3. How Doctors Can Address Superstitions in Practice

It’s important for doctors to be aware of both their own superstitions and those of their patients. Open communication is key in addressing superstitions that may conflict with medical advice. By fostering a supportive environment and explaining the science behind certain treatments, doctors can help patients feel more comfortable letting go of unfounded beliefs.

Fact or Fiction?

Doctor superstitions, while often dismissed as irrational, serve an important psychological function in the high-stakes world of medicine. Whether it’s a ritual before surgery or an aversion to certain phrases, these behaviors provide comfort and a sense of control in situations that are often unpredictable. While superstitions are generally harmless, it’s essential that they don’t interfere with evidence-based medical practice. In the end, doctor superstitions may not be based on fact, but they’re far from pure fiction—they represent the human side of medicine, where logic meets the need for reassurance.