The Relationship Between Burnout, Perfectionism, and Grit in Urology

To evaluate associations between burnout, perfectionism, and grit among urology residents and attendings, hypothesizing that perfectionism would be associated with increased burnout and higher grit would be protective.

We conducted a prospective, multi-institutional cross-sectional survey from January to May 2025. Participants completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory, Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, and Grit Scale. Burnout was defined as Emotional Exhaustion >27 or Depersonalization >10. Perfectionism and grit scores (2-5) were analyzed relative to burnout, including analyses of individuals above the 90th percentile for perfectionism.

A total of 108 urologists responded (39% response rate), including 68 attendings (64%) and 39 residents (36%); 70% completed the perfectionism scale. Burnout was identified in 56 respondents (52%; 95% CI, 42%-62%) and was more common among residents than attendings (77% vs 37%; P <.001). Perfectionism showed non-linear association with burnout: moderate levels were associated with lower burnout, while scores above the 90th percentile were associated with higher burnout (77% vs 46%; OR 3.9; 95% CI, 1.3-11.2; P <.01). Grit was inversely associated with burnout; 92% of respondents with low grit were burned out versus 7% with the highest grit (P <.001).

Burnout remains prevalent among urologists, particularly trainees. Perfectionism is associated with higher burnout, while grit appears strongly protective, suggesting potential targets for intervention.