Burnout Among Osteopathic Residents: A Cross-sectional Analysis

Burnout is a known problem among physicians in training but has not been extensively studied in osteopathic residents.

To evaluate the relationship of burnout to sex, age, marital status, and residency program type (surgical vs nonsurgical) and length (3, 4, 5, or 6 years) across 12 residency programs at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

An anonymous, voluntary questionnaire was given to residents in their 10th month of residency. Thirty questions were provided, including general background questions and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey to assess burnout.

A total of 131 of 180 residents (72.8%) returned the questionnaire, and 129 provided complete responses in most categories. Of the 129 respondents, 89 (69.0%) reported emotional exhaustion and 96 (74.4%) reported depersonalization at a moderate or high level. In addition, 70 respondents (54.4%) experienced a moderate or high level of burnout in relation to personal accomplishment. No statistically significant association was found between the burnout factors (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment) and sex, age, marital status, and residency program type and length.

The majority of the osteopathic residents surveyed reported experiencing burnout. More data on burnout among osteopathic residents and associated factors are needed.