The Etherist Podcast, Season 4: Burnout Prevention Tips and Key Takeaways

In the previous chapters of “Anesthesiology News Presents The Etherist,” we defined just what physician well-being is, when it came to light and why the concept needs to be addressed at institutional and systemwide levels. We also explored managing the cognitive workload during residency, the stress of working during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the unexpected toll that burnout can leave behind.

And now, for the final episode of the series, various experts share their thoughts on how to best recognize and manage burnout, as well as how to strive for an optimal work‒life balance. These aren’t instant fixes, but rather takeaways for anyone, regardless of whether they are struggling or not. There has been no shortage of thought-provoking quotes throughout this investigative series, but the one that has most resonated with us is one that we hope you also hold onto: “When I think about wellness, the first thing that comes to mind is the old cliché of being on the airplane and being told, ‘Put on your own oxygen mask before you help those around you.’ So certainly, in the long run, one cannot be an effective doctor, caring for one's patients, if one does not also care for oneself. However, it’s equally as important that physicians work in environments that support their ability to do that.” Translation: Management can't simply prescribe yoga when the reason for burnout is staffing shortages.

Researchers recently found that 62.8% of physicians had at least one manifestation of burnout in 2021; and while the pandemic's peak is over, supply chain issues and staffing shortages still continue. Substance use disorder does affect anesthesiologists, as we know. This might be due to the ease of access to intravenous opioids, propofol and other anesthetic drugs. More sobering is the fact that every year in the U.S., roughly 300 to 400 physicians die by suicide. The ASA has a comprehensive webpage highlighting various help resources, including suicide and physician support lines, well-being apps, a burnout calculator and guides for doctors facing adverse outcomes and malpractice litigation. However, the most important thing to know is that you are not alone. Despite what you may think, many of your colleagues have previously gone through or are even currently experiencing many of the same feelings of burnout. So create a buddy system and know that there's nothing wrong with confiding in a peer, friend or even a trained professional.

While your focus is predominantly and perpetually on taking care of patients, it's okay to think about yourself for a change. Because as a former AMA president once said, "The most important patient we really have to take care of is the one in the mirror."