Burnout has always been an issue among US physicians. And in 2022, it's an undeniable crisis.
Between administrative staffing shortages, pandemic and vaccine concerns, and the ever-present malpractice concerns experienced by overworked physicians, instances of physician burnout have skyrocketed.
As reported by The National Institute for Health Care Management (NIHCM), 76% of all healthcare workers reported experiencing exhaustion and burnout in September 2020, a huge increase from the estimated 35%-54% of healthcare workers experiencing symptoms of burnout in 2019. So what caused this massive increase?
Why More Physicians Experience Burnout Now
The physician burnout crisis began long before the COVID-19 pandemic but surprisingly, stress from the pandemic is still not one of the top five causes of physician burnout. According to a report published by Medscape in 2021, the chief causes of burnout remain consistent from past years. Top contributors include too many bureaucratic/administrative tasks, spending too many hours at work, lack of respect from administrators, colleagues, and/or staff, insufficient compensation, and lack of autonomy.
Now, add the stress of a generation of physicians and support staff retiring en masse. Only a few years ago, "Boomers" were reliable, experienced workhorses of medicine. They'd seen it all. Now, as they leave the field for greener pastures — spurred on thanks to a pandemic — that gaping hole is filled with less-experienced staff.
Even the most enthusiastic, most dedicated physician can experience symptoms of professional burnout during times like these.
Are You Experiencing Burnout? Know the Symptoms
Physician burnout is usually characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion, feelings of ineffectiveness, and a tendency to view patients, students, and colleagues as objects rather than human beings.
Associated manifestations can include:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Tension
- Mood swings or anger
- Memory challenges
- Attention struggles
- Thoughts of quitting or retiring
- Even thoughts of suicide
For many physicians, exhaustion and moral distress are the most prominent symptoms.
Battling Physician Burnout with Locum Tenens
If you are feeling defeated in your current work situation and exhausted from the constant stress, it may be time to make some changes. Here are five ways that working locum tenens can combat burnout:
- Increase your focus on patient care. As mentioned above, the top contributor to physician burnout is having too many bureaucratic tasks. Fortunately for locum tenens physicians, patient care is the primary responsibility. You’ll spend less time in meetings and dealing with politics, and more time with what you truly care about: patients.
- Dictate your own schedule. One of the greatest benefits of working locum tenens is the flexibility that comes with having complete control over your schedule. You decide how often you want to work and how much time you have off between assignments, and you can finally say goodbye to missed holidays, birthdays, dance recitals, etc. with family and friends.
- Try something new. Working in a new environment, trying out new practice settings, and treating a varied patient population can help keep things interesting as well as keeping your skills sharp.
- Improve work-life balance. Many locum tenens physicians seek opportunities in different parts of the country which allows them to explore new areas, spend time with extended family, or even have working vacations!
- Pursue personal interests and hobbies. Spending time doing things you enjoy can improve your mental health and wellbeing. Because locums gives you the freedom to control your schedule, many physicians use this opportunity to spend more time on their passions outside of work.
Ready to Make a Change?
Unfortunately, there is no magic solution or “cure” to physician burnout. Ultimately though, you cannot pour from an empty cup, so if you are a physician experiencing burnout then you may want to consider how working locum tenens can improve work-life balance and combat burnout.
Contact Med X today to learn more and discuss our current job opportunities.
