How to Manage Physician Burnout: Strategies for a Balanced Career

8-minute read

As physicians, we enter this field driven by a deep commitment to help others, often placing their needs above our own. Yet, despite the profound fulfillment this profession offers, many of us find ourselves grappling with an undercurrent of exhaustion, a sense of depletion that isn’t easily shaken off by a day off or a weekend getaway. This lingering fatigue is more than just being tired—it’s what we’ve come to understand as physician burnout.

In my early years as an OB/GYN, the joy of welcoming new life into the world was unparalleled. But over time, the demands of endless calls, the mountains of documentation, and the emotional toll of difficult cases began to weigh heavily. After sixteen years in the field, I found myself at a crossroads, questioning whether I had anything left to give. It was only after stepping back and taking time for myself that I realized the importance of addressing burnout head-on—not just for myself, but for my colleagues and our patients as well.

Physician burnout is a multifaceted issue, manifesting as more than just physical exhaustion. It’s an emotional and mental response to prolonged stress and overwhelming demands, characterized by three primary indicators.

The exhaustion that comes with burnout is pervasive—it’s a weariness that lingers, leaving you feeling drained even after rest. It’s not just about feeling tired after a long shift; it’s the kind of fatigue that seeps into your bones and makes every task feel like a monumental effort.

Burnout can also lead to depersonalization, a state where you start to distance yourself from your patients. I recall moments in my career where the joy of patient interaction was replaced by a sense of detachment, almost as if I was going through the motions without truly connecting. This cynicism can be a defense mechanism, but it’s also a sign that burnout is taking hold.

There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that your work makes a difference. But when burnout sets in, that sense of achievement starts to wane. You might begin to question your competence, or worse, feel that your efforts are futile. This is perhaps one of the most insidious aspects of burnout—it can rob you of the very joy that led you into medicine in the first place.

Beyond these primary indicators, burnout can manifest in various ways, affecting both your professional and personal life. You might find it difficult to cope with everyday stressors, feel isolated from colleagues and loved ones, or experience persistent irritability and fatigue. These symptoms can also include:

• Trouble concentrating or remembering things: I’ve seen colleagues who once had sharp, precise memories struggle with simple tasks because their minds were simply overloaded.
• Insomnia and lack of motivation: The irony of burnout is that the more exhausted you become, the harder it is to sleep, and the less motivated you are to take action.

Burnout isn’t caused by a single factor; it’s the result of a complex interplay of internal and external pressures. While personal tendencies, such as perfectionism or difficulty in delegating tasks, can contribute, the healthcare system itself plays a significant role.

The very systems designed to support us can sometimes be the ones that weigh us down. In my transition from OB/GYN to occupational medicine, I’ve seen firsthand how systemic issues—like the overwhelming demands of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and the constant pressure to see more patients in less time—can erode our well-being. It’s a sentiment echoed by many in the field, including those who emphasize that burnout is not the result of a deficiency in resiliency among physicians but rather, a consequence of the systems in which we work.

Medicine, once a field defined by its autonomy and patient-focused care, has increasingly become more structured and controlled. The shift towards a more business-like model, where insurance and reimbursement policies dictate much of what we do, has stripped many of us of the freedom to practice medicine in the way we envisioned. This loss of control can be particularly draining, leading to frustration and a sense of helplessness. The pressure to spend less time with each patient, coupled with the endless documentation requirements, often results in poorer patient outcomes—an outcome that has been extensively documented in various studies.

Recognizing the signs of burnout is the first step, but what comes next? How do we regain control and restore our passion for medicine? Here are some practical strategies that have worked for me and many of my colleagues.

While we can’t change the entire healthcare system overnight, we can push for improvements within our own practices. Advocate for better EHR systems, reduced administrative burdens, and more autonomy in your role. Encourage your organization to conduct regular well-being assessments and take concrete actions based on the results. Family physicians, in particular, can benefit from the tools and strategies aimed at preserving well-being provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

One of the hardest lessons I learned was the importance of setting boundaries—both in my professional and personal life. Saying “no” isn’t easy, but it’s necessary to protect your time and energy. Delegate tasks when possible and consider adjusting your schedule to allow for more restorative time. Remember, it’s okay to step back sometimes.

We spend so much time caring for others that we often neglect our own health. But prioritizing your well-being isn’t just about self-care—it’s about being the best physician you can be. Establish good sleep hygiene, maintain a healthy diet, and incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Even small changes can have a significant impact on your energy levels and overall well-being.

It’s easy to let stress accumulate, but finding time to relax is crucial. For me, something as simple as a short walk in the park or a few minutes of deep breathing can make a big difference. Whether it’s meditation, painting, or playing an instrument, find something that helps you unwind and make it a regular part of your routine.

It’s easy to let stress accumulate, but finding time to relax is crucial. For me, something as simple as a short walk in the park or a few minutes of deep breathing can make a big difference. Whether it’s meditation, painting, or playing an instrument, find something that helps you unwind and make it a regular part of your routine.