Physician Burnout Research Articles

Background Physician burnout remains a defining challenge in medical education, driven by excessive demands and fragmented wellness initiatives. While calls for systemic reform grow louder, many efforts lack a unifying framework capable of addressing both distress and the cultivation of professional fulfillment. Methods This guide applies a dual-theory lens—Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model—to propose a systems-based approach to motivation and wellness. Drawing on empirical evidence and applied experience, it presents twelve actionable strategies across three ecological domains: the built environment, policy frameworks, and interpersonal dynamics. The first six strategies target hindrance demands that frustrate psychological needs and contribute to burnout; the next six strengthen resources that satisfy those needs and foster engagement, resilience, and well-being. Results The strategies offer flexible, theoretically grounded entry points for reform. Rather than prescribing rigid solutions, they aim to support institutions in cultivating sustainable, human-centered learning environments where wellness is embedded—not bolted on. Examples include prioritizing formative over high-stakes assessments, making justice and safety integral to institutional design, and balancing clinical responsibility with developmental support. Conclusions Integrating SDT and JD-R provides a rigorous, coherent, and scalable foundation for systems-level wellness initiatives. It reframes well-being not as the absence of burnout but as the presence of thriving—offering a shared language, validated metrics, and a roadmap for lasting cultural and structural transformation in medical education.

Burnout Among United States Uveitis Specialists-An Assessment of Prevalence and Contributing Factors.

Compassion, connection, and capacity: Outcomes of a yearlong contemplative medicine fellowship.

Exploring the link between physician burnout and intentions to retire early

Healthcare providers spend twice as much time on documentation as direct patient care, contributing to widespread physician burnout affecting 54% of US physicians and labour shortages within the healthcare sector. This article examines AI-powered solutions, including voice recognition and natural language processing, that can revolutionise medical documentation. Medical AI technologies like Dragon Medical One, Amazon Transcribe Medical, and Suki AI are already demonstrating significant potential for reducing documentation burden as well as improving accuracy across hospital, primary care, and telemedicine settings. Despite the obvious benefits, implementation faces challenges including privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and clinician resistance. With proper attention to transparency, bias mitigation, and regulatory compliance, AI documentation systems can transform healthcare efficiency while preserving essential human-centred care.

The increasing use of patient portal messages has enhanced patient-provider communication. However, the high volume of these messages has also contributed to physician burnout. Patient-generated portal messages sent to a single cancer center from 2011 to 2023 were extracted. BERTopic, a natural language processing topic modeling technique based on large language models, was optimized. For further categorization, the topic words were labeled using GPT-4, followed by review by two oncologists. Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection was used for dimensionality reduction and visualizing topics. Message volume changes over time were assessed using a Student's t test. A total of 2,280,851 messages were analyzed. The monthly average number of messages increased from 2,071 in 2012 to 43,430 in 2022 (P < .001). There was a significant rise in message volume after the COVID-19 pandemic, with a posterior probability of a causal effect of 96.4% (P = .04). Scheduling-related messages were the most frequent across departments, whereas symptoms and health concerns were second or third most common topics. In medical oncology and surgical oncology, topics on prescriptions and medications were more common compared with radiation oncology and gynecologic oncology. Despite concurrent institutional changes in self-scheduling systems, scheduling-related messages did not decrease over time. The substantial increase in patient portal messages, particularly scheduling-related inquiries, underscores the need for streamlined communication to reduce the burden on health care providers. These findings highlight the need for strategies to manage message volume and mitigate physician burnout, laying groundwork for artificial intelligence-driven future triage systems to improve message management and patient care.

Background: Burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of personal accomplishment, negatively affects resident physicians and patients. Although burnout is common among intensive care unit (ICU) healthcare workers, data on its impact on resident physicians during their medical ICU (MICU) rotations are limited. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, key drivers, and mitigating factors for burnout among resident physicians rotating through the MICU. Methods: We conducted a single-center, mixed-methods prospective cohort study in the MICU of an academic quaternary care hospital. Over the course of a 9-month period, we surveyed residents at the end of their MICU rotation and assessed the prevalence of burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, as well as perceived drivers and mitigators of burnout. Focus groups were conducted to further explore internal medicine (IM) residents' perceptions of drivers and mitigators of MICU-related burnout. Results: Forty-nine residents completed the survey (80% response rate), and 25 IM residents participated in focus groups. The overall burnout prevalence was 88%. Although not statistically significant, higher burnout rates were observed among first-year residents (94% vs. 78%; P = 0.12) and non-IM residents (100% vs. 81%; P = 0.07). Fifty-three percent of residents believed that there was more burnout in the MICU than other ICU rotations. Three themes emerged as drivers of burnout: patient factors (high acuity, adverse outcomes, ethical dilemmas), team and unit dynamics (interdisciplinary tensions, MICU insider-outsider bias), and the clinical learning environment (limited work-life balance, steep learning curve, normalization of burnout). The primary mitigating factors were meaningful patient interactions, supportive team dynamics, structured debriefing, protected time, and focused skill development. Conclusion: Burnout in residents rotating through the MICU is extremely high, higher than the previously reported baseline resident burnout rate of 50-75%. First-year and non-IM residents may be especially vulnerable because of unfamiliarity with the unique team and unit dynamics and clinical learning environment of the MICU (high acuity, high intensity, frequent exposure to dying patients, and unit insider-outsider bias). This study highlights unique factors, which contribute to burnout among MICU residents, that differ from those affecting other critical care staff and could be addressed through targeted interventions.

98 Background: Prior authorization (PA) purports to control costs and ensure adherence to evidence-based guidelines but negatively impacts cancer care. Radiation oncology (RO) represents a minority of overall cancer spending yet bears a disproportionately high PA burden. Limited research exists on the effects of PA on patient outcomes and administrative workload within RO clinics. Methods: From 9/2024 to 10/2024, an online survey was open to U.S. members of the American Society for Radiation Oncology assessing experiences with PA including disposition (approval/denial/appeal including peer-to-peer [P2P] review) and perceived impact on patient care and administrative workload. Outcomes included treatment delays, changes from recommended treatment, and patient event including hospitalization, ED visits, permanent disability, or death. Descriptive statistics evaluated responses. Results: Of 736 responding radiation oncologists (16% response rate), 83% reported a rise in PA over the past three years, with 58% noting the burden has increased greatly. In the past year, 50% reported that more than half of their cases required PA, with a median approval rate of 75% and median overturn rate of 82% for denials. For more than half of their cases, nearly half of physicians (43%) noted that P2P was a futile effort to overturn PA denials due to insurance policies. Most (75%) reported that PA resulted in their practice needing to reallocate staff; 91% reported worsening burnout due to PA. P2P reviews were particularly burdensome, averaging 1.65 hours per week. A third (30%) reported that PA requirements had caused serious complications for their patients, including 7% who reported PA had contributed to patient death. Almost all (91%) reported PA-related treatment delays for some of their patients, with 58% indicating average delays of ≥5 days. Most (81%) reported that at times they had to use radiation techniques they considered less optimal due to PA, including 58% who were forced to deviate from national guidelines. The most common reasons for not appealing a PA denial were anticipated delays (73%), perceived futility based on prior PA experiences (62%), and administrative burden (45%). Conclusions: The administrative and clinical burdens associated with PA have significant implications for patient care, physician well-being, and healthcare resource allocation in RO. Treatment delays, compromised therapies, and adverse patient outcomes are commonly reported and underscore the need for PA reform to improve patient outcomes, reduce physician burnout, and improve efficiency.

Background: Women physicians comprise more than half of graduating medical students in the United States, yet their rates of burnout and attrition from academic medicine are higher than for men physicians across every career stage. Objective: In May 2024, the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University convened international experts on physician gender inequity and well-being for an exploratory seminar. The goal was to establish consensus on an institutional roadmap to mitigate burnout in women physicians. Methods: We addressed 3 main questions through presentations, roundtable discussions, and the screening of an award winning physician-directed and -produced film on the subject: (1) What are major organizational drivers of women physician burnout and institutional best practices to address these drivers? (2) What barriers hinder successful implementation of best practices? (3) How can institutions overcome these barriers? Through iterative dialogue during the seminar and post-hoc discussions on the conceptualization of this manuscript, our group reached a consensus on an institutional roadmap to diminish burnout in all physicians identifying as women. Results: We conceived a budget neutral, easily adopted, and sustainable institutional roadmap to mitigate burnout in women physicians. The roadmap is grounded in a learning health system and leverages data collection to drive iterative, structural changes that achieve meaningful impact on a culture of well-being. Conclusions: Organizational accountability for a culture of well-being is critical to diminish burnout in women physicians and should be approached through intentional, multi-pronged, structural changes which restore trust and achieve belonging.

The impact of extended communication skills training, with and without supplemental follow-up, on physician burnout, empathy, satisfaction with medicine, and self-compassion and patient satisfaction☆

Because physician burnout negatively affects patients, organisations and those impacted, we aimed to identify and evaluate factors contributing to burnout among internal medicine physicians in the USA. Cross-sectional survey conducted between 23 June 2023 and 8 May 2024. A national multicentre study conducted in the USA. Random sample of non-subspecialty internal medicine physicians identified through Physician Professional Data, a database maintained by the American Medical Association. Of 1421 eligible physicians, 629 (44.3%) responded. The 42-item survey collected data on multiple factors-professional environment, community and personal-hypothesised to influence well-being. Burnout domains, including emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment, were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey. A total of 9.8% (61/622) participants had extreme burnout as defined by meeting thresholds for all three burnout domains. In multivariable regression analysis, several aspects of the professional environment (eg, workload, lack of autonomy) were statistically significantly associated with elevated odds of burnout. Community factors statistically significantly associated with reduced odds of burnout included a supervisor who empowers and treats the physician with respect and dignity and greater support from organisational leaders. Mindful awareness and a sense of purpose were statistically significantly inversely associated with odds of burnout. Burnout among US internal medicine physicians is common and influenced by many factors. Interventions to elevate well-being should be multi-faceted and seek to reduce workload, augment autonomy, bolster support and perceptions of value from leaders and co-workers and foster environments conducive to mindful practice and sense of purpose.

Background:The electronic medical record (EMR) has many benefits but has been shown to be a source of burnout for physicians. Data suggest that female physicians in ambulatory medicine spend more time using the EMR than male physicians, though this has yet to be studied in the surgical setting. This study aimed to analyze EMR usage patterns between male and female plastic surgeons at a single institution.Methods:Thirteen attending plastic surgeons at a single institution were included in this study. EMR usage data were extracted from Epic from December 2021 to December 2022. Extracted variables included time spent on messages, precharting, notes, orders, the in-basket feature, and total usage during and outside the workday. Demographic analysis was performed, and a univariate regression model was used to compare variables between groups.Results:Three surgeons were women, and 10 were men. Female plastic surgeons spent 18.9 seconds longer on each message in the EMR (P < 0.05) and 5.52 minutes longer using the in-basket feature compared with male surgeons (P < 0.05). Additionally, female surgeons spent 15.3 more minutes on notes (P < 0.05).Conclusions:Female plastic surgeons spend significantly more time on messages with patients and staff and spend more time in notes than their male counterparts. In our study, these differences reflected nearly 2 additional hours/wk spent on EMR usage. Because workload related to the EMR may contribute to burnout, institutions can work with physicians to recognize time spent on required documentation and identify ways to improve efficiency.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in pediatric nephrology, enabling improvements in diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic precision, and operational workflows. By integrating diverse datasets-including patient histories, genomics, imaging, and longitudinal clinical records-AI-driven tools can detect subtle kidney anomalies, predict acute kidney injury, and forecast disease progression. Deep learning models, for instance, have demonstrated the potential to enhance ultrasound interpretations, refine kidney biopsy assessments, and streamline pathology evaluations. Coupled with robust decision support systems, these innovations also optimize medication dosing and dialysis regimens, ultimately improving patient outcomes. AI-powered chatbots hold promise for improving patient engagement and adherence, while AI-assisted documentation solutions offer relief from administrative burdens, mitigating physician burnout. However, ethical and practical challenges remain. Healthcare professionals must receive adequate training to harness AI's capabilities, ensuring that such technologies bolster rather than erode the vital doctor-patient relationship. Safeguarding data privacy, minimizing algorithmic bias, and establishing standardized regulatory frameworks are critical for safe deployment. Beyond clinical care, AI can accelerate pediatric nephrology research by identifying biomarkers, enabling more precise patient recruitment, and uncovering novel therapeutic targets. As these tools evolve, interdisciplinary collaborations and ongoing oversight will be key to integrating AI responsibly. Harnessing AI's vast potential could revolutionize pediatric nephrology, championing a future of individualized, proactive, and empathetic care for children with kidney diseases. Through strategic collaboration and transparent development, these advanced technologies promise to minimize disparities, foster innovation, and sustain compassionate patient-centered care, shaping a new horizon in pediatric nephrology research and practice.

Away residency training rotations, defined as any clinical rotation in a categorical residency program away from the home training institution, can be a common feature in graduate medical education to fill gaps in specific training requirements. Although the number of away rotations in civilian anesthesia residency programs remains unpublished and ever-changing based on the size of the hospital it serves and program needs, away rotations are particularly critical in military residency programs because of limited specialty case availability at some military treatment facilities. Although previous research has focused on the educational benefits of these rotations, less is known about the impact of these experiences on residents' personal and professional lives. Understanding the challenges and benefits of away rotations from the residents' perspective is crucial to optimize learning and mitigate potential negative consequences. This qualitative study investigates the lived experiences of residents during away rotations, from the trainees' perspective, to inform both military and civilian training programs. Using a qualitative descriptive approach within a constructivist paradigm, we conducted semi-structured interviews with PGY-3 and PGY-4 anesthesiology residents from four military residency programs. Data analysis using thematic analysis identified key themes related to residents' perspectives of rotations to identify recurring patterns, offering insights to inform future residency training and support strategies. Interviews demonstrated the following themes associated with away rotations in military anesthesiology training: (1) diverse clinical exposure and professional opportunities; (2) growth personally and professionally; (3) emotional and psychological strain from loss of social support systems; and (4) burden on family and home responsibilities. Away rotations offer residents invaluable clinical experience and networking opportunities but also present personal challenges such as feelings of isolation and stress, decreased social support, and negative familial impact, which are risk factors for physician burnout. Although most military anesthesiology residents reported positive experiences, support systems for personal hardships, adverse patient outcomes, familial obligations, and mental/physical health are needed. Future research should focus on mitigating personal consequences and mechanisms to balance residents' wellness and educational attainment. Military training programs are uniquely positioned to lead such efforts, given their reliance on away rotations.

Physician Burnout and Fatigue: The Hidden Threat to Patient Safety.

BackgroundElectronic health record (EHR) usage measures may quantify physician activity at scale and predict practice settings with a high risk for physician burnout, but their relation to experiences is poorly understood.ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the EHR-related experiences and well-being of primary care physicians in comparison to EHR usage measures identified as important for predicting burnout from a machine learning model.MethodsExploratory qualitative study with semi-structured interviews of primary care physicians and clinic managers from a large academic health system and its community physician partners. We included primary care clinics with high burnout scores, low burnout scores, or large changes in burnout scores between 2020 and 2022, relative to all primary care clinics in the health system. We conducted inductive and deductive coding of interview responses using a priori themes related to the machine learning model categories of patient load, documentation burden, messaging burden, orders, and physician distress and fulfillment.ResultsInterviews with 16 physicians and 4 clinic managers identified burdens related to three dominant themes: (1) messaging and documentation burdens are high and require more time than most physicians have available during standard working hours. (2) While EHR-related burdens are high they also provide patient-care benefits. (3) Turnover and insufficient staffing exacerbate time demands associated with patient load. Dimensions that are difficult to quantify, such as a perceived imbalance between job demands and individual resources, also contribute to burnout and were consistent across all themes.ConclusionEHR-related work burden, largely quantifiable through EHR usage measures, are major source of distress among primary care physicians. Organizational recognition of this work as well as staffing and support to predict associated work burden may increase professional fulfillment and reduce burnout among primary care physicians.

Effectiveness of a mindfulness- and compassion-based online intervention for physician burnout: A randomized controlled trial with mediation and clinical outcome analyses.

» Physician burnout is an occupational crisis that consists of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced perceived sense of personal accomplishment. It is highly prevalent among orthopaedic surgeons, with the highest rate seen in residents.» Burnout can have a detrimental impact on resident mental and physical health, patient care through medical errors and poor patient interactions, and the healthcare system.» Orthopaedic residency programs should direct resources toward initiatives that can combat burnout and improve well-being through screening, education, cultural changes, and access to physical, social, and mental health resources.» Orthopaedic surgery residents should recognize the signs of burnout and its impact, take responsibility for their physical and mental health, support their peers, collaborate with faculty leadership to identify areas of improvement, and propose tangible solutions that will benefit the residency.

Burnout in ophthalmology: Review of the literature

Physician burnout, particularly among female graduate medical education (GME) trainees, is a growing concern that affects physician wellness and patient safety. Professional coaching has shown promise in improving physician wellness. The Better Together Physician Coaching program (BT) is a web-based, group-coaching program, piloted using female GME trainees, aimed at improving key indicators of well-being, including burnout and impostor syndrome. In this qualitative study, we aimed to understand the challenges faced by female physician trainees shared in the pilot of the BT coaching intervention. A total of 101 female physician trainees participated in the BT pilot. A sample of 41 of the 80 group coaching calls and all 21 written coaching requests were included in this study. A qualitative content analysis was conducted of 132 coaching instances, using a team-based, deductive and inductive, rapid domain analysis strategy. Deductive analysis of 132 coaching instances confirmed burnout, impostor syndrome, self-compassion, and moral injury as key areas for which female physician trainees sought coaching. Inductive analysis also identified additional areas for which trainees sought coaching, including career uncertainty, feedback navigation, and relationship stress. The preliminary findings highlight the importance of addressing these specific challenges and tailoring coaching interventions to meet the needs of female physician trainees.