Burnout in Urological Education: An In-Depth Study of Residents and Fellows in the 2021 AUA Census

No AccessJournal of UrologyAdult Urology11 Apr 2024Burnout in Urological Education: An In-Depth Study of Residents and Fellows in the 2021 AUA Census Andrew Harris, Roei Golan, Kate Kraft, Amanda North, Parth Modi, William Meeks, Emily Galen, Alexis Helsel, and Kevin Koo Andrew HarrisAndrew Harris Corresponding Author: Andrew M. Harris, Department of Urology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose St, MS 283, Lexington, KY 40536-0298 ( ([email protected]) ). , Roei GolanRoei Golan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7214-3073 , Kate KraftKate Kraft , Amanda NorthAmanda North , Parth ModiParth Modi , William MeeksWilliam Meeks , Emily GalenEmily Galen , Alexis HelselAlexis Helsel , and Kevin KooKevin Koo View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003949AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract Purpose: To explore the current trends in burnout, career choice regret, and well-being needs among urology residents and fellows, with specific emphasis on identifying key factors associated with burnout. Materials and Methods: The American Urological Association (AUA) Workforce Workgroup collaborated with the AUA Data Team to analyze data from the 2021 AUA Census, comprising a total of 243 residents and fellows. Key demographics, benefits and resources, career choice and debt, and burnout levels were analyzed, focusing on variables like gender, postgraduate year (PGY) level, debt burden, and personal health appointments. Results: Overall, 48% of residents and 33% of fellows met criteria for professional burnout, with a higher incidence among PGY-2 residents (70%). Depersonalization was particularly notable, with 74% of residents reporting medium to high levels. Burnout was significantly associated with difficulty attending personal health appointments (52% vs 34%) and lack of access to on-call rooms (54% vs 36%). In contrast, having children during residency was associated with lower burnout levels (30.8% vs 49.1%). Meal plans were ranked as the most desired benefit (32%) followed by ability to attend health appointments during work hours (17%), and paid family leave (16%). Educational debt over $150,000 was carried by 53% of residents and 48% of fellows. Interestingly, burnout rates showed no statistically significant difference in response rates across genders, relationship status, amount of educational debt, presence of paid maternity or paternity leave, and type of childcare arrangements. Conclusions: Burnout remains a significant issue among urology trainees, with a complex interplay of factors like lack of personal time and provision of call rooms. The alarming rates of depersonalization and exhaustion highlight the urgency of implementing targeted interventions. Enhanced support systems, improved access to healthcare appointments, provision of call rooms, and debt management programs are recommended to alleviate the growing problem of professional burnout in the field of urology. © 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2024 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.KeywordsburnoutresidentsfellowsworkforceMetrics Author Information Andrew Harris Corresponding Author: Andrew M. Harris, Department of Urology, University of Kentucky Medical Center, 800 Rose St, MS 283, Lexington, KY 40536-0298 ( ([email protected]) ). More articles by this author Roei Golan More articles by this author Kate Kraft More articles by this author Amanda North More articles by this author Parth Modi More articles by this author William Meeks More articles by this author Emily Galen More articles by this author Alexis Helsel More articles by this author Kevin Koo More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...