Physician burnout

As managed care has disseminated throughout our health system, physicians have increasingly assumed the status of employees. The pressures associated with this cultural change, and the changes in medical practice style and pattern required by managed care employers, could result in a significant increase in the number of physicians experiencing burnout. This in turn could lead to a decrease in the quality and efficiency of the health care delivered by such organizations. In view of this, physician employers should become more aware of the problem and take appropriate preventive measures.