Terms every doctor should know about physician burnout
American Medical Association
The AMA promotes the art and science of medicine and the betterment of public health.
You've most certainly heard of physician burnout, but there are some related terms that are important for doctors to understand.
By: Sara Berg, MS , AMA News Editor
Unfortunately, doctors know all too well about physician burnout and its impact on medicine. With most American physicians experiencing some sign of burnout, it is a condition that affects all specialties and all practice settings.
While you’ve most certainly heard of physician burnout, what other terms are important to know? Here is a convenient glossary to help guide you through different aspects of physician burnout and how the AMA is fighting to improve the well-being of doctors in a broken system.
At the height of the pandemic, the physician burnout rate rose to 63% among doctors in the U.S., according to the latest research co-written by experts at the AMA. And while burnout rates are dropping again, more work still needs to be done.
Physician burnout
A long‑term stress reaction characterized by depersonalization. This can include:
Emotional exhaustion
Defined as a state of feeling worn-out and drained from an accumulation of stress from personal or work lives, or a combination of both, emotional exhaustion is a leading sign of burnout.
While no one is expected to be upbeat all the time, there is a big difference between being tired at work and being exhausted by your profession. It is important that physicians feel comfortable asking for help or speaking with their family, other doctors or even seeking professional help.
Professional fulfillment
This refers to a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment that comes from work. When people experience professional fulfillment, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated, which serves as a buffer against burnout.
Recommended by LinkedIn
In contrast, when people do not find their work fulfilling or meaningful, they may become disengaged, which can lead to burnout over time. Burnout can also negatively impact professional fulfillment by creating a cycle of exhaustion, cynicism and reduced productivity, contributing to decreased satisfaction and fulfillment in work.
Depersonalization
As part of physician burnout, depersonalization is a lack of empathy for or negative attitudes toward patients. It can also occur when physicians develop a negative attitude toward their colleagues and profession. Depersonalization can have a negative impact on the quality of care that physicians provide, as well as their own well-being and job satisfaction.
“Imposter phenomenon”
If you are a physician who is feeling as though your accomplishments are inadequate and your successes are undeserved or due to chance rather than personal effort, skill, ability and competence, you are not alone. It’s called the imposter phenomenon and research shows physicians are more likely to experience it than other professionals.
Nearly one in four physicians report frequent or intense experiences with it, according to a study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. Perhaps more importantly, the study found that the imposter phenomenon in physicians is associated with higher odds of both burnout and suicidal ideation. Physicians experiencing imposter phenomenon also have increased odds of lower professional fulfillment.
Related Coverage:
Physician burnout demands urgent action
Reducing burnout is essential to high-quality patient care and a sustainable health system. The AMA measures and responds to physician burnout, helping drive solutions and interventions.
Become a member and help the AMA tackle the key causes and provide relief for physicians. Join now.
Founder @UnitedSeniorAssociation | Advocating for Our Elder Population
1moThe public often doesn’t recognize that doctors are also human and we need to advocate for their wellbeing in order to ensure that their tremendous contributions to our health but also our lives and our families and all those we care about are not taken for granted.
Certified Instructor of Taekwondo & Ananda yoga.
2moAmerican Medical Association some thing to be concerned about patients health
Subpopulation aberrant epigenomics/socio-epigenomics differentials in disease outcome and precision medicine initiative/Author/Research Scientist
2moSince one had experienced this in the past, healthcare providers burnout, racial/ethnic minorities physicians and nurses are disproportionately affected with this burn-out, indicative of the need to avoid clinician, implicit and unconscious bias of racial/ethnic minorities patients. The application of these implicit/unconscious/clinician biases' marginalization at the healthcare setting, facilitates racial/ethnic minorities healthcare providers stress reduction, hence burn-out marginalization.
Perpetual Inventory Clerk at Macy's
2moThanks for sharing