Physician Burnout: The Hidden Health Care Crisis

Physician burnout is an under recognized and under reported problem. Characterized by a state of mental exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment, burnout may affect over 60% of family practice providers and at least one-third of gastroenterologists. Some studies have shown that younger physicians, those performing high risk procedures, and those experiencing work-life conflicts are at greatest risk. If unrecognized, the costs to the physician and to the health care system can be enormous, as physician burnout is associated with increased rates of depression, alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, suicide, medical errors, difficult relationships with co-workers, and patient dissatisfaction, as well as physician attrition.

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