Practical Neurology33% of Academic Physicians Want to Quit Their Jobs According to Large Study Reported in JAMA

The Alarming Intent to Leave Among Academic Physicians: Unraveling the Ties Between Burnout and Job Satisfaction

A recent comprehensive study published in JAMA Network Open sheds light on a concerning trend among academic physicians – a significant number are considering leaving their positions within the next two years. This study, involving more than 18,000 respondents, delves into the complex interplay between professional burnout, job fulfillment, and the intention to leave (ITL). It provides valuable insights into the factors influencing physicians’ career decisions, highlighting the urgent need for institutional changes to address these issues.

Key Points:

• High Rate of ITL: 32.6% of academic physicians surveyed indicated a moderate or higher intention to leave their current institution within 2 years, signaling a potential crisis in academic medicine.
• Anesthesiology Most Affected: Anesthesiologists reported the highest ITL rate at 46.8%, followed closely by specialists in gastroenterology, thoracic surgery, neurological surgery, critical care, and radiology.
• Burnout a Major Factor: 37.9% of respondents met the criteria for burnout. A higher burnout score significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of ITL.
• Professional Fulfillment’s Protective Role: Conversely, higher professional fulfillment scores were associated with a 36% lower likelihood of ITL, underscoring the importance of job satisfaction in retaining academic physicians.
• Subspecialties’ ITL Rates: Gastroenterology (41.3%), thoracic surgery (40.2%), neurological surgery (40.0%), critical care (39.8%), and radiology (39.8%) had notably high ITL rates.
• Impact of Supportive Factors: Supportive leadership, peer support, alignment of personal and organizational values, perceived gratitude, COVID-19 organizational support, and EHR helpfulness were all associated with lower ITL.
• Negative Influences: Factors like depression and negative impacts of work on personal relationships were linked with higher ITL rates.
• Implications for Physician Turnover: These findings are significant against the backdrop of increasing physician turnover rates and a nationwide shortage of physicians.

According to a report by Medscape, the average burnout rate among US physicians is 42%, with the highest rates observed in critical care, neurology, and family medicine.

More on Burnout