Medscape’s annual survey on burnout in physicians was just released recently. Thirteen thousand physicians from 29 specialties participated. Just in last year self-reported burnout rate for all jumped from 42% to 47%. ER, Critical care, and Ob-Gyn were at the highest risk. Derm, Path, and onco were the least likely. Pandemic has been hardest for working females, and it did not spare women doctors (Male 41%, Female 56%). Bureaucratic tasks, lack of respect, too much work, and lack of control were the main culprit.
Office-based solo and single-specialty practices fared better than those working employed outpatient clinics or hospitals. Exercise, venting to family or close friends, and listening to music were healthy coping used by the doctors. There were some unhealthy ones too.
Physicians fought back by doing several things like participating in stress relief activities, reduced work hours, or changing work settings.
In part two, we will talk about depression and unhappiness amongst us. Let us learn from others and make some change in our life to reduce our burnout rate.