Physician burnout is on the rise
Burnout: “long-term, unresolved, job-related stress leading to exhaustion, cynicism, detachment from job responsibilities, and lacking a sense of personal accomplishment.”1
Last summer, Medscape surveyed 9000+ physicians for the latest Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report. Not surprisingly, burnout increased significantly during the COVID years, with 53% of all surveyed expressing burnout*. Below are the specialties with > 50% incidence of burnout.
- Emergency medicine — 65 percent of physicians reported burnout
- Internal medicine — 60 percent
- Pediatrics — 59 percent
- Obstetrics and gynecology — 58 percent
- Infectious diseases — 58 percent
- Family medicine — 57 percent
- Neurology — 55 percent
- Critical care — 55 percent
- Anesthesiology — 55 percent
- Pulmonary medicine — 54 percent
- Radiology — 54 percent
- Oncology — 52 percent
- Gastroenterology — 52 percent
- General surgery — 51 percent
- Diabetes and endocrinology — 51 percent
Even if the numbers for the Huntsville Hospital medical staff are better than this, many of us no longer feel the joy and satisfaction we once did. The long hours, intense workload, emotional strain, and constant exposure to critical situations can gradually take a toll on our mental, emotional, and physical health. Recognizing burnout as a valid concern is the first step toward finding practical solutions. I encourage you to reflect on your well-being and observe any warning signs indicating burnout. These signs can manifest in various ways, such as increased exhaustion, decreased empathy, emotional detachment, reduced job satisfaction, or even physical symptoms like headaches or insomnia. Identifying and acknowledging these symptoms is essential to take proactive steps to mitigate their impact. Burnout may lead to decreased empathy, poor decision-making, and medical errors. Therefore, it is crucial that you take care of yourselves and prioritize your mental health.
For those who recognize they may have some element of burnout, you are not alone. Indeed, most of us are burned out to a degree if the numbers are to be believed. Seeking help for burnout is nothing to be ashamed of. Thankfully there are local resources that can help. Live Well is a confidential service offered to Madison County physicians. Usage of these services does not need to be disclosed on hospital privilege applications. Please reach out to and see if they can assist you in restoring a sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and joy in your medical practice.
Live Well Foundation
- Website: Live Well
- Phone: (256)881-7321 ext.705