Physicians’ experiences as patients expose a distinctive tension between their professional role of caregiver and the lived vulnerability of being cared for. This duality challenges both professional and personal identities. This study investigated perceptions, challenges and emotional consequences of illness among Angolan doctors and examined implications for medical practice and the humanization of care. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, study in Luanda, Angola, between March and May 2024. A total of 139 physicians completed a culturally adapted questionnaire based on Medscape. Quantitative data was analyzed using Epi Info (v.7.2.6.0) and presented as absolute and relative frequencies. Open-ended responses were examined thematically to complement quantitative findings. Most participants were women (64.8%) and worked in the public sector (60.4%). Disclosure of professional identity during consultations occurred “sometimes” for 64.3% of respondents. Almost 70% reported increased fear of illness, though 48.9% reported no career repercussions. While 71.2% did not expect preferential treatment, 46.8% perceived receiving better care because of their status. Importantly, 42.5% indicated that personal illness enhanced empathy towards patients. Illness affects physicians beyond the physical dimension, reshaping professional identity and catalyzing empathy in clinical practice. This pioneering Angolan study underscores the need for institutional policies addressing physicians’ health, confidentiality, and psychological support. Facilitating reflective spaces for physicians’ illness narratives may strengthen patient‑centered, humanized care.