I spent 15 years working in the ER, and watching HBO’s The Pitt felt less like entertainment and more like reliving some of the hardest moments of my career.

I remember the day every computer in our ER went dark and the chaos that followed. The times violent patients attacked our staff. The day a gang member walked in with a machete. The colleague we found overdosed in the bathroom after diverting narcotics.

I’ve lost count of how many patients I’ve pronounced dead and how many sexual assault survivors I’ve cared for. Every seasoned ER doctor has.

The Emmy Award-winning series offers a striking portrayal of life in high-pressure workplaces: relentless pace, constant decisions, and the consequences of professionals pushed beyond healthy limits.

To say medical personnel are affected by this work is an understatement. Many carry moral injury, the psychological toll of being forced to act against their values within a broken system.

Read more: America’s Moral Injury Pandemic

And the healthcare system is a big source of that distress across the country.

It’s no surprise that burnout rates in emergency departments are high. One study of ER staff found that over 60% of emergency physicians, roughly 72% of ER nurses, and 75% of paramedics report burnout. Research points to three drivers: culture of wellness, workplace efficiency, and individual........

© Time