Medical doctor is exposed to various types of professional stress. One of the risk factors is the lack of awareness of the fact that patients frequently do not do what is necessary, and that possibilities of therapy are limited. Another risk factor is a deep identification with patient. In relation to colleagues, the risk factor represents the low ability to communicate, and resulting feeling of isolation. The higher professional gratification was derived from the sense of being needful and from successful resolution of difficult cases. Majority of studies came to the conclusion that the effective prevention of health troubles is the balanced life-style and the possibility to discuss with colleagues both the professional difficulties and possible conflicts with patients as well as personal worries. Essential is also an emphatic though pragmatic relation to patient and to the possibilities of therapy. Many medical doctors referred the necessity of developing a personal and professional philosophy. The elementary example is the appropriate hierarchy of values and priorities, organisation of time and solution of conflicts of interests.

        Key words: professional stress, risk factor, communication, empathy, hierarchy of values.