Burnout among postgraduate medical trainees in Lebanon: experiences and prevention strategies

Burnout is a common problem that negatively impacts the well-being of postgraduate medical trainees. The study aims to explore trainees’ experiences of burnout in different specialties and generate potential strategies for prevention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with trainees at a tertiary medical center. The inclusion criteria included residents and fellows practicing in the medical center irrespective of gender, age, specialty, and year of training. There were 32 residents classified as surgical specialty versus non-surgical specialty. Interview domains revolved around understanding burnout experiences in residency, causes of burnout, and potential strategies for prevention. Work overload was the most cited reason for burnout. Other emergent factors were understaffing, specialty type, faculty members/peers, economic and political problems, and personal factors. The leadership program is recommended to be aware of the early warning signs of burnout. Effective workload assignments with rest intervals and attention to work-life balance, and to self-care could help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.