Burnout - Graduate Medical Education & Early Career Physicians-View Presentation Slides

View Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

This presentation by Dr. Laurel Mayer from Columbia University Irving Medical Center addresses burnout among graduate medical education trainees and early career physicians, exploring its impact on mental health, including depression, substance use, and suicide risk. Burnout is characterized by exhaustion, depersonalization (cynicism and detachment), and a sense of inefficacy, resulting from chronic occupational stress. Studies reveal a wide variability in burnout prevalence globally among physicians.<br /><br />Burnout affects residents and attendings alike, and it is primarily a systemic issue driven by workplace factors such as workload, administrative burden, and work environment. It correlates with negative outcomes including reduced professional fulfillment, errors, and increased risk of depression and suicidal ideation. Depression during training is common, peaking during internship and influencing professional identity negatively, leading some trainees to reconsider their career choice.<br /><br />Substance use disorders are also prevalent among physicians, often presenting late and requiring physician health programs (PHPs) for effective treatment. Despite elevated risks, resident suicide rates remain similar or lower compared to age and gender-matched populations, with early training periods bearing highest risk.<br /><br />Distinguishing burnout from major depressive disorder (MDD) is crucial since burnout responds to workplace interventions and rest, whereas MDD requires evidence-based treatments. Burnout may increase suicidal thoughts but depression remains the strongest predictor.<br /><br />Barriers to seeking mental health treatment include lack of time, stigma, and confidentiality concerns, leading many residents to forgo care. Strategies to lower these barriers include mental health check-ins, telehealth, flexible scheduling, peer support, and leadership engagement.<br /><br />The presentation emphasizes resilience: adapting positively to stress and hardship through self-compassion, gratitude, and aligning with personal values and professional identity. Cases illustrate the challenges faced by trainees and the importance of self-care, support after medical errors, and the role of systemic changes to promote well-being.<br /><br />In sum, physician well-being requires a multifaceted approach addressing systemic issues, reducing stigma, ensuring access to mental health resources, and fostering resilience to sustain a healthy professional workforce.

Keywords

burnout

graduate medical education

early career physicians

mental health

depression

substance use disorders

suicide risk

physician well-being

resilience

systemic workplace factors