Depression, burnout, and professional outcomes among PAs

Sarah R Blackstone1, Aimee K Johnson, Noël E Smith

  • 1Sarah R. Blackstone is the family medicine research manager at University of Virginia School of Medicine in Charlottesville, Va. At the time this article was written, she was an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. Aimee K. Johnson is an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences at James Madison University. Noël E. Smith is senior director of PA and industry research and analysis at the American Academy of PAs (AAPA) in Alexandria, Va. Timothy C. McCall is research director at the National Association of County and City Health Officials in Washington, D.C., and director of health sciences undergraduate courses at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Whitney R. Simmons and Ashley W. Skelly are assistant professors in the PA program at James Madison University. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Summary

Burnout significantly impacts Physician Assistant (PA) professional fulfillment and medical errors, more so than depression symptoms. Addressing burnout is key to improving job satisfaction and clinician well-being.

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