Anesthesia Workforce Supply and Demand Imbalance: Reply

In Reply: We enthusiastically agree with the letter by Higgins, Sinsky, and Vinson1 that reducing burnout by improving clinician well-being is essential for retention of clinicians. In our article,2 we finished by organizing proposed solutions into five categories. The second one, “Facilitate Retention,” is focused on improving the workforce environment. We specifically mention addressing burnout. Further, we are supportive of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA; Schaumburg, Illinois) Statement on Fundamentals of a Safe and Healthy Workplace for Anesthesiologists3 based on existing ASA statements. The Fundamentals statement includes principles for optimizing clinician health, improving the workplace, and ensuring fairness. This approach is not unique to anesthesiology or healthcare. To combat burnout, leaders must address the root causes: unsustainable workload, perceived lack of control, insufficient reward for effort, lack of a supportive community, and lack of fairness.4 Finally, to successfully address clinician well-being and the risk of burnout, organizations must view clinicians as more than a resource or commodity to be used and discarded when depleted. They must invest in clinicians and employee development as a long-term strategy, even at the risk of reducing short-term profits. Competing Interests The authors declare no competing interests.