Physician Burnout

In a recent national study, nearly 50 percent of physicians surveyed reported at least one symptom of burnout. Some pointed to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization in their relationships with patients, and a low sense of accomplishment.

The study concluded that burnout is more common among physicians than among Americans who work in other fields — and that physicians in specialties considered at the front line of care seem to be at greater risk.

Dan Gottlieb explores the topic of physician burnout – who’s at risk, what’s at stake for doctors and their patients, and what’s being done to energize and strengthen weary medical professionals.

Dan’s guest include Colin West, Liz Ferron, and Erin Lockard.

Colin West, M.D., Ph.D. is a co-author of the article “Burnout and Satisfaction With Work-Life Balance Among U.S. Physicians Relative to the General US Population” (August 2012). His research at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota focuses primarily on physician well-being, evidence-based medicine and biostatistics, and medical education.

Liz Ferron is a clinical behavioral specialist at Physician Wellness Services in Minneapolis.

Erin Lockard is a local hospitalist who shared her experience with burnout and explains how changing jobs helped her cope and carve out a more holistic lifestyle.