What to do next if you feel burned out.

The Prevalence

Near the end of 2023, 49% of surveyed physicians continued to be burned out. The most recent Medscape Survey revealed, in addition, that twenty percent of us are depressed. Not unexpectedly, those of us in primary care seem to be the most affected with burnout. Emergency medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, ob-gyn, and family practice top the list of specialties with the highest rates of burnout.

Currently, women physicians (56%) are burned out more often than men (44%). For physicians overall, job stress is the biggest contributor, and bureaucratic tasks still top the list of things we hate. Lack of respect from managers, administrators, employers and staff also contributes.

The Symptoms

By now you are aware of the symptoms of burnout – physical exhaustion, emotional overwhelm, depersonalization, cynicism, and lack of fulfillment or meaning in your work. If you feel that you are no longer making a difference you are probably burned out. If you actually dread going to work, you are definitely there.

During your current practice of medicine, if you find yourself burnt out, or heading towards burnout, there are some things you can do to make your situation better. Initially, you need to identify what aspects of your practice tipped you over the edge to a place of hopelessness and constant fatigue. Try to identify what led you to this sense of feeling overwhelmed and feeling like you no longer make a difference.

Issues under your control

Only those things that are within your control can you really do anything about. Surprisingly, there are several factors within our control that contribute to burnout in women physicians. Some of these are 1) number of hour hours worked each week, 2) your night and weekend call schedule, 3) your type of childcare arrangements, and 5) your household responsibilities.

Sometimes when we feel burnt out, we tend to think about a possible job change, a change in a practice location, or cutting back our hours to part-time. However, there are other things to consider before you jump ship to another job or practice location. There are some other important issues to consider as well.

Self-assessment Questions

Below are listed some self-assessment questions to get you thinking about your situation, what triggered your burnout, and what possible solutions may be available to you. Answering these questions honestly will help you improve your current situation before you decide to change jobs or cut back your hours.

1.       Are you fulfilled in your current job?

2.       Does your current position give you a sense of meaning and purpose?

3.       Do you feel like you are paid fairly?

4.       Do you have control over your own schedule? Do you have schedule flexibility?

5.       Do you have a boss or manager that is unsupportive?

6.       Do you have adequate support staff?

7.       Are you satisfied with your contributions at work?

8.       Do you have adequate control/autonomy over your work day?

9.       Does your spouse or partner appreciate your contributions at work?

10.   Does your current job utilize your unique strengths and skills?

11.   Do you specifically dislike your manager boss, or one co-worker?

12.   Do you have a mentor at work, someone older than you who likes you and wants to help you get recognized or promoted?

13.   Have you met with your mentor to assess your career goals? How often do you meet with them?

14.   Have you or your mentor discussed additional professional development that may be needed?

15.   Does your mentor help you grow your skills, problem solve, and transfer knowledge to you?

16.   Do you have coworkers whom you consider to be friends?

17.   Do you feel understood and supported by your work friends?

Stay strong during your self-assessment. Maybe even write down the answers. I promise that going through this process will help!