Physician Burnout: A Crisis for Healthcare

Troy D. Woodard, MD,
AAO-HNS/F PresidentI read a staggering statistic the other day. Physician demand is projected to grow faster than supply, leading to a total projected shortage of between 13,500 and 86,000 physicians by 2036.^1,2 Although aging populations and increased demand for healthcare services contribute to this shortage, physician burnout has become a primary factor. Burnout, a condition marked by chronic workplace stress that goes unaddressed, is driving talented professionals out of medicine. Notably, much of the stress doesn’t stem from caring for patients but rather from administrative tasks that detract from patient care and personal well-being. Its impact could lead to long-term consequences for the healthcare system and the patients who rely on it.

Burnout, defined as an “occupational phenomenon” by the World Health Organization, involves energy depletion, increased mental distance, and reduced professional efficacy.³ According to the American Medical Association (AMA), 48.2% of U.S. physicians report experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in a 2023 survey.⁴

As physicians, we enter medicine with a genuine desire to care for patients, but workplace pressures often overwhelm this passion. Excessive workloads, administrative burdens, and a lack of support staff create relentless schedules that cause many of us routinely to work late into the evening. Administrative or support teams could easily manage many of these tasks, such as prior authorizations and other time-consuming paperwork. 

The effects of physician burnout are far-reaching. Studies show that when physicians leave the profession, it drives up operational costs for healthcare systems.⁵ Finding and training new physicians is both time-consuming and very costly. More concerning is the impact on patient care. Burnout is associated with increased medical errors, decreased patient satisfaction, and compromised safety.⁶ These challenges hit rural and marginalized communities particularly hard, where a lack of available physicians results in limited access to care and inequitable healthcare outcomes.

On a broader level, workplace policies such as flexible scheduling, part-time options, and task delegation can help reduce burnout at its source. Although systemic changes are essential to improve physician burnout, there are also personal steps you can take to protect your own well-being.  

Many practice groups offer Employee Assistance Programs, which you should consider if you’re experiencing symptoms of burnout. Also, setting aside “me” time each week or connecting with friends and family to discuss feelings openly can be invaluable.

Additionally, engaging in regular physical activity and finding small ways to build community with colleagues can help you find balance and resilience. Lastly, simple acts like keeping a gratitude log or setting daily goals can also provide small but meaningful moments of satisfaction and motivation.

Physician burnout is a systemic issue that requires both institutional and individual solutions. Healthcare systems need to streamline administrative processes and hire adequate support staff to free up our time for what we do best: patient care.  As individuals, we must prioritize our mental and physical health and seek support networks. Only by addressing this crisis from multiple angles can we ensure that healthcare systems around the globe can retain their skilled, compassionate providers and that our patients continue to receive the quality care they deserve.

References

1. Oakman, T., and Smith-Ramakrishnan, V. (2023). “Physician burnout will burn all of us” The Century Foundation. https://tcf.org/content/report/physician-burnout-will-burn-all-of-us/
2. Association of American Medical Colleges (2024). “The Complexities of Physician Supply and Demand: Projections From 2021 to 2036” Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.aamc.org/media/75236/download?attachment
3. “Burn-out an ‘occupational phenomenon.’” Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon
4. American Medical Association (2024). “Physician burnout rate drops below 50% for first time in 4 years” Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/physician-health/physician-burnout-rate-drops-below-50-first-time-4-years
5. Dyrda, L. “The cost of physician turnover” (2023). Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/the-cost-of-physician-turnover.html 
6. Razai MS, Kooner P, Majeed A. (2023) Strategies and Interventions to Improve Healthcare Professionals' Well-Being and Reduce Burnout. J Prim Care Community Health. doi:10.1177/21501319231178641