Physician Health and Wellness.

Area of Science:

• Physician Health and Wellness
• Occupational Health
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Physician burnout rates are comparable across medical specialties, with a notable increase observed in pediatric disciplines between 2011 and 2014.
• General pediatricians saw a significant rise in burnout, from 35.3% to 46.3%, while subspecialists approached 50% during the same period.
• Women physicians, who form the majority in pediatrics, report a 20% to 60% higher prevalence of burnout compared to their male colleagues.

Approach:

• This report provides an update on pediatrician well-being and strategies to mitigate occupational burnout across training and practice stages.
• It examines burnout prevalence, diagnosis, national wellness progress, and specific initiatives by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
• Key areas explored include burnout drivers (organizational and individual), the impact of race, ethnicity, and gender, and protective wellness factors.

Key Points:

• Burnout prevalence in pediatrics has increased, with nearly half of all pediatric specialists experiencing it.
• Women physicians face a disproportionately higher risk of burnout.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new and substantial stressors, exacerbating existing challenges in medical practice.

Conclusions:

• Addressing pediatrician burnout requires a comprehensive approach, considering organizational and individual factors.
• Understanding the intersection of demographics like race, ethnicity, and gender is crucial for targeted interventions.
• Implementing robust wellness strategies is essential to support the health and sustainability of the pediatric workforce.