A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery examines orthopedic surgeon burnout.
The article describes burnout as "progressive emotional, attitudinal and physical exhaustion" surgeons at all stages of medical education and practice might feel, especially when they are dissatisfied with their work-life balance, depressed or having suicidal ideation. Here are four things to know:
1. Physicians experiencing burnout often lack enthusiasm for work and feel cynical. They may have a low sense of personal accomplishment. Orthopedics is among the specialties with the highest burnout rate.
2. In 2012, around 45.8 percent of the physicians in the U.S. reported experiencing burnout, and those with more years of medical education report higher burnout rates.
3. Physicians in residency report high levels of burn out; depending on the specialty, 41 percent to 74 percent of residents report experiencing burnout
4. The article authors discussed the challenge for orthopedists to develop interventions and strategies to combat burnout.