President/CEO @ Midwest Spine & Brain Institute | Founder HyperCharge Performance, Longevity and Recovery Clinics | Wellness at the Speed of Light Podcast Host | Recharging the Human Battery Radio Show Host | Speaker
This post is not intended to get sympathy for physicians, rather my attempt to inform the public on the reason doctor burnout has become so prevalent I've had countless discussions with physicians from diverse backgrounds—those in major health systems, and private care doctors alike. In my opinion, there are really three major factors contributing to physician burnout that we urgently need to address. Firstly, the lack of control is profoundly demoralizing. After spending nearly half of our lives in rigorous study, the feeling that we no longer have a significant say in our practices is hard to accept. This loss of autonomy makes it difficult for physicians to find satisfaction in their work. Certainly within our company we have set up things in an extremely physician friendly way but this is so difficult to find in most practices. Secondly, the overwhelming number of mundane tasks that we face daily detracts from our core responsibilities. These tasks, while necessary, lead to task-switching that prevents us from entering the 'flow' states essential for high-quality work and personal satisfaction. Thirdly, inefficient processes pervade our work environments. Whether in clinics, hospitals, or surgery centers, these inefficiencies lead to unnecessarily long hours which harm our mental health and overall well-being. On top of these systemic issues, the emotional toll of dealing with very sick patients and their families adds another layer of stress. This combination not only leads to burnout but also to an unacceptably high rate of suicidal thoughts and even suicide among physicians. This message isn't about seeking sympathy but about raising awareness and finding solutions. We need to make systemic changes to ensure that physicians can focus on what's most important—caring for you and your families. Let's open a dialogue on how we can make these changes. Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. Would love to hear your thoughts on this issue in the comments below 👇🏽 #Healthcare #MentalHealth #Physicians #Doctors #SpineSurgeron #people #Humanity #DrSinicropi
The amount of mundane tasks physicians have to take on top of their core role is actually very concerning for them, their mental focus and of course, the patients. Systems and processes that actually work to support our healthcare needs implementation immediately. At what point are we willing to let this continue??
Clearly steps need to be taken to ensure the long term health of our doctors!
From my perspective, we need to shield physician’s. From a consistent value to society and the length, expense, and rigor of training - there is NO OTHER profession like it. Period. It is not up for debate.
This is such an important topic across the healthcare field, especially for providers Stefano M. Sinicropi, MD
Thank you for bring the light to this.
Your efforts to raise awareness and advocate for solutions to this critical issue are invaluable in driving positive change within the healthcare system. Stefano M. Sinicropi, MD
Physicians are caring human beings who have dedicated a great deal of their lives to their fellow human beings. They deserve respect and appreciation. I have been a physician practice manager for over 27 years and I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and kind Physicians , Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. Hospitals have had to change and adapt new processes and procedures in order to maintain some semblance of financial stability. All have good intentions but as we all can see there’s work to be done in collaboration. I am hopeful that with collaborative physician input and hospital leadership that there can be relief for all. At the core of healthcare are the patients and I think we can all agree that we can work together for this purpose.
welcome to today’s world like everyone else.. regardless of occupation!
Also, unrealistic expectations ...it is amazing on how much we know now as compared for 25 years ago, I guess with more advance in technologies it increased the amazing diagnostic and treatment options. But, with it comes an increase of knowledge that you have to know about. Increase in the number of MDTs that you have to prepare for. So, it is either working, or your studying, and with inflation, the compensation makes you question your life decisions. Okay, I do not have kids, but, I would love to travel more often than I do.....
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5mo....... and you just mentioned the professional side.... they have families as well, and they deal with angry wife's or husband's, because they are not around...kids activities and so on.... The system is to old... life is not as it was 50 years ago!