Letter re: How can neurologists avoid burnout?

Abstract

I read Dr. Bernat's editorial with interest.1 It is an excellent summary of the current health of our profession. An additional mitigation strategy, proven successful for me, is engagement with organized medicine. My professional journey took me from a county medical society to a state medical society and on to the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). In each venue, I find thoughtful, engaged physicians and dedicated, intelligent support staff. Clinical practice neurologists often spend their career in a rather isolated setting. When physicians do get together, the current practice environment fosters criticism. My dialogue has shifted from eloquent discontent in the hospital lunchroom to problem-solving in society meetings. I find engagement is often rewarded with positive feedback and the opportunity to contribute more meaningfully. Rather than reacting to changes forced upon me with a sense of helplessness, I feel empowered. I feel that I am shifting the landscape (albeit ever so slightly). I encourage Dr. Bernat and the AAN Burnout Task Force to actively promote engagement with organized medicine as an option for neurologists to avoid burnout.