In a recent study published in the journal Gastroenterology, researchers examine the root causes of burnout in gastroenterologists and possible prevention tactics. Here are four things to know.
1. The study defined a physician as burnt out when exhibiting two of the three following symptoms:
• Emotional exhaustion
• Depersonalization
• Low sense of personal accomplishment
2. Burnout occurs in 45 percent of all physicians. Gastroenterologists exhibited lower than average at 37 percent of overall burnout, though between 32 percent and 63 percent of gastroenterologists reported moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion. Factors that contribute to gastroenterologist burnout include:
• Younger physician age
• Increasing procedure complexity
• Experiencing procedure-related adverse events
• Work-life imbalance
• Changes in healthcare reimbursement
3. The study suggested several tactics for preventing burnout including:
• Stress reduction exercises such as deep breathing exercises and meditation
• Mentorship
• Teaching medical students or other professionals
• Participation in meaningful hospital committee work
• Participation in national GI, endoscopy and hepatology societies
• Participation in research activity
4. If gastroenterologists begin to feel the onset of burnout the study suggests:
• Taking a real vacation
• Identifying main stressors and solve those that can be
• Gaining social support
• Occasionally putting your own needs first
• Delegate responsibilities if possible
• Take time to unplug devices, especially before going to bed
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1. The study defined a physician as burnt out when exhibiting two of the three following symptoms:
• Emotional exhaustion
• Depersonalization
• Low sense of personal accomplishment
2. Burnout occurs in 45 percent of all physicians. Gastroenterologists exhibited lower than average at 37 percent of overall burnout, though between 32 percent and 63 percent of gastroenterologists reported moderate to high levels of emotional exhaustion. Factors that contribute to gastroenterologist burnout include:
• Younger physician age
• Increasing procedure complexity
• Experiencing procedure-related adverse events
• Work-life imbalance
• Changes in healthcare reimbursement
3. The study suggested several tactics for preventing burnout including:
• Stress reduction exercises such as deep breathing exercises and meditation
• Mentorship
• Teaching medical students or other professionals
• Participation in meaningful hospital committee work
• Participation in national GI, endoscopy and hepatology societies
• Participation in research activity
4. If gastroenterologists begin to feel the onset of burnout the study suggests:
• Taking a real vacation
• Identifying main stressors and solve those that can be
• Gaining social support
• Occasionally putting your own needs first
• Delegate responsibilities if possible
• Take time to unplug devices, especially before going to bed
More Articles on Gastroenterology:
Memphis Gastroenterology Group, Gastro One to Merge
The Good, the Bad & the Ugly: The Economics of GI
GI, Hepatology Societies Band Together to Create Accreditation Toolkit