"I Quit," means many things in medicine. Sometimes it means literally why we quit medicine -- because sometimes we do.

It could mean why we quit something else to go into medicine -- because we have plenty of those as well. It could mean our patients saying "I quit" -- and us either supporting them in that or helping to show them the light. For me, I think I've personally cycled through all of those -- had moments where I wanted to quit, had moments where I did quit, and moments where I both helped patients quit or got them to not. And I’m sure you have too.

No matter how you take it, "Quitting isn't for quitters, or losers," as the old saying goes. Quitting is sometimes the right decision and sometimes just a part of life.

Chapter One. Dying for the Fifth Time: (2:10) David chases his own cure for a rare condition and ends up on a mission for many others. Story by David Fajgenbaum, MD.

Chapter Two. Why I Fled the Country: (13:55) When a hospital acquisition forces Joseph into an untenable position, he ends up having to leave the country. Story by Joseph Wiedermann, MD.

Chapter Three. My MD, My Baby, My Nightmare: (25:32) When Sapna, a new mother and fresh doctor, cuts herself and is exposed to HIV, she goes into emotional hiding. Story by Sapna Kudchadkar, MD.

Episode produced by Kristina Fiore

Hosted by Amy Ho, MD

Sound engineering by Greg Laub

Theme music by Palomar