Addressing Surgeon Burnout Through a Multi-level Approach: A National Call to Action

Physician burnout is an epidemic and there are unique aspects of surgery that dictate rates of burnout among general surgeons and surgical trainees. This review characterizes the scope of burnout and its drivers within the field of surgery and advocates for strategies to address burnout at the individual, institutional, and national levels.

Rates of burnout in surgery are increasing with higher numbers of young and female surgeons affected. Contributing factors are generally related to work-life balance, longer hours, and mistreatment in the workplace. Attempts have been made at implementing structured initiatives in an effort to combat work dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Still, rates of burnout continue to increase.

General surgeons and trainees are at high risk for burnout with resulting attrition, depression, and suicidal ideation. The solution to burnout must be addressed at individual, institutional, and national levels. Further research into the factors leading to surgeon burnout and enactment of effective strategies to mitigate burnout must be pursued.