Addressing Physician Burnout and Ensuring High-Quality Care of the Physician Workforce

Abstract

Burnout in health care is a public health crisis. Burnout is a triad of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and feelings of reduced personal accomplishment. More than half of practicing physicians and trainees experience burnout, and the rates are increasing. This review highlights the current prevalence of burnout among U.S. physicians, especially obstetrician–gynecologists. We review personal and systemic risk factors for burnout, consequences of burnout, and proven interventions, especially at the systems level, to treat and prevent burnout.

In Brief

Nearly half of U.S. physicians report at least one symptom of burnout; although individuals must maintain a commitment to personal well-being, systems-level strategies may be more effective and are imperative.