Decreasing Resident Physician Burnout Requires a Multifaceted Approach

Abstract

* Abbreviation: PRB-RSC — : Pediatric Resident Burnout-Resilience Study Consortium The alarming rate of physician burnout is a call to action on behalf of current trainees and future generations of doctors. Although this concern was identified more than a decade ago, little progress has been made. Symptoms of emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficiency are widespread in this work environment. In addition, physicians also face high levels of individual stress, anxiety, and depression. The Pediatric Resident Burnout-Resilience Study Consortium (PRB-RSC) surveyed a cross-section of pediatric residents from 49 programs across the United States. The survey revealed a >50% burnout rate among pediatric residents.1 Importantly, this study also identified protective and risk factors that impact burnout. As medical educators, it is our responsibility to take an evidence-based approach and evaluate these factors. Afterward, a comprehensive plan to modify trainee burnout and improve overall wellness can be further developed. Resident burnout in pediatrics is not unique; it is present in all specialties. Chaukos … Address correspondence to Jeanine C. Ronan, MD, MS, MSEd, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, 9th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: ronan{at}email.chop.edu