Articles related to BURNOUT

At what point is it appropriate to stop responding to patient inquiries? This editorial piece argues that taking patient calls at all hours is leading to physician burnout, and that it is time to realize that taking patient calls at home is an antiquated practice that needs to go the way of the doctor’s house call.

An oncologist reflects on his last decade as a physician and what he’s learning through the art of oncology — the daily practice that is outside the latest data and is often not explicitly taught in fellowship — that has become ever more important and gratifying. Age, a changing work environment, a pandemic and telemedicine, reports of physician burnout, and colleagues leaving practice — all part of the daily routine. Here, the oncologist shares a few key rules that that have helped and sustained his practice.

From the American Red Cross to volunteering overseas, there are plenty of feel-good “enlistments” out there for the practicing or retired physician, which can help ward off boredom and burnout while adding the benefit of perhaps learning a new skill or meeting new people. Whether your goals are short-term or you’re in for the long haul, here are nine opportunities to help humanity and feel good about the part you’re playing in the world.

Let’s be honest, some medical specialties are easier than others, offering better hours at higher rates of pay and with less stress. However, for every doctor whose specialty affords them time on the golf course, there are other specialties that leave physicians trapped in a spiraling cycle of unpredictable hours, bad pay, and terrible work-life balance. How does your specialty measure up?

The number of doctors who are fed up and leaving the medical profession is growing at an alarming rate. The prolonged COVID-19 emergency has placed additional stress on physicians who were already feeling burned out before the global pandemic. About 60% of doctors surveyed this past spring say they are burned out, which is 50% higher than before the pandemic. Reasons for the high burnout rate include long hours, abusive patients, poor compensation relative to their training and expertise, and operating under the weight of hospital bureaucracies.

It’s no secret that oncologists face burnout and extreme stress. However, some of that stress can be alleviated by practicing mindfulness. In this interview with oncologists from Healio’s “Women in Oncology” series, the concept of mindfulness among oncologists leading to better patient outcomes is explored.