Burnout, Depression, and Diminished Well-Being Among Physicians
Concerns are rising about the well-being of physicians and the ripple effects of poor mental health on doctors, their patients, and the entire healthcare system. In this review, they dive into several key areas: first, we explore the two most studied issues—burnout and depression—and how they impact physicians; next, we highlight advancements in enhancing well-being for specific physician groups; then, we examine the effectiveness of both system-level and individual-level interventions aimed at improving physician health; and finally, we outline the crucial steps needed to drive progress in the coming years.
Why does this matter? Medicine is no longer viewed as one of the most attractive career paths. While many aspire to be doctors, the financial burden and lengthy training can be daunting. These dynamics are especially important to Black students and we are already down on the number of Black physicians we need. We’re now witnessing a shift, with physicians voicing concerns about their lifestyles and mental well-being. This article sheds light on that pressing issue.