What Causes Physician Burnout? Managing the Very Real Emotional Challenges of Working in Healthcare

A recent study revealed that on average, 45% of resident physicians experience burnout and 95% of medical professionals recognize burnout as a serious problem, according to Etactics. So, why does this happen? What are the causes of physician burnout?

Why Physicians Experience Burnout

Burnout is characterized by depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, and a diminished sense of accomplishment. Physician burnout is a form of work-related stress that many in healthcare experience to some degree. 

Physicians tend to be compassionate, empathetic, and very hardworking, which can make them vulnerable. Additionally, clinical environments may sometimes feel disempowering, and some even struggle with imposter syndrome, which can touch on our own insecurities.  

Burnout Doesn’t Happen in a Vacuum

You may have difficulty connecting with your colleagues and patients if you suffer from burnout for an extended period of time. Recognizing when you are depleted, practicing self-reflective exercises, and acknowledging that you are spent will help you cope and manage burnout. 

As part of our series on Coping with Burnout in the COVID Era, we’ll hear from Ramya Iyer, a psychotherapist in Chicago and the founder of Thriving in Residency. In this recording, she walks us through the dimensions of burnout, recognizing symptoms, exercises and skills to cope, as well as much more. 

To watch these vital insights, you can find that video below.

What Questions Do You Have About Burnout?

Do you have any questions or would like more information? Contact ramya@thrivinginresidency.com or webinars@truelearn.com. We’re always happy to lend a hand. 

Meet Our Expert Host

Ramya Iyer is a psychotherapist in private practice in Chicago, IL. After working with medical residents in her practice, she sees the emotional and physical exhaustion that can come with the profession. She founded Thriving in Residency as she wanted to develop a meaningful and substantive program that directly discusses and educates on mental health challenges in medicine. As a result, TIR is a combination of Psychoanalytic theories and Trauma theory in conjunction with behavioral tools. Ramya Iyer provides depth psychotherapy, specifically, treating relational struggles and depression/anxiety stemming from events in the present and past. She sub-specializes in loss & grief, multicultural issues, and race relations.