Burnout in physicians

A bIggeR pROblem belOw The TIp Of The ICebeRgHow big is this problem?In a study from the US that involved 7288 physicians, 45.8% experienced at least one symptom of burnout, with the highest rates reported among the frontline physicians working in family medicine, general internal medicine and emergency medicine.7 Compared to the general US population, physicians work for longer hours and are more dissatisfied with their work-life balance, especially among female physicians.Similar figures are captured by a survey from Medscape.8 American surgeons are as burnt out as physicians, with a third of them screening positive for depression.9 Figure 1 shows percentages of burnout Burnout in physiciansAbSTRACT Increasing numbers of doctors are experiencing burnout now more than ever before and the worrying part is that what we see is just the tip of the iceberg.Burnout, a state of mental exhaustion caused by the doctor's professional life, is characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and a reduced sense of accomplishment or success.Burnout has been largely ignored or underrecognised previously.This paper provides a perspective on burnout among doctors, including an overview of symptoms, the scale of the problem, the implications and causes of burnout and, finally, a strategic framework to provide a basis for managing it.Most importantly, professional bodies are urged to start taking steps to help troubled doctors.Medical Colleges should provide essential assistance, support and guidance as well as ensuring fair management and promotion policies.KeywORDS burnout, emotional exhaustion, long working hours, management, physician