Physician burnout is a problem plaguing the entire healthcare industry, affecting everyone practicing medicine.
But did you know some medical specialties are more likely to experience burnout than others? Patient loads and schedules vary drastically between specialties, which results in different burnout rates. Compared to the general population, physicians are significantly more likely to experience burnout, highlighting the elevated risk faced by medical professionals.
Frustrating and exhausting for providers, it can also be dangerous for patients. Burnout contributes to approximately 7% to 10.6% of medical mistakes. Physician burnout can negatively impact care quality, making it crucial to address burnout to maintain high standards for patient outcomes.
In this article, we’ll break down physician burnout by specialty, according to two recent studies that assessed burnout rates among U.S. physicians. We’ll also explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for medical burnout, how it affects patient outcomes, and what healthcare organizations can do to prevent it.
Physician burnout is a long-term psychological reaction to stress in the workplace among medical professionals. It is a long-term stress reaction that can lead to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and impaired clinical performance.
Physician burnout symptoms include:
The demanding nature of the medical profession, including loss of autonomy and emotional burdens, significantly contributes to the development of burnout among physicians.
This condition can last for months or even years, especially if the medical professional does not take steps to treat it. In severe cases, burnout can also lead to more serious mental health issues, such as depression and even suicidal ideation.
A physician’s responsibilities and environment vary by specialty. As a result, some specialties are much more prone to burnout than others. Here are the specialties with the highest and lowest burnout rates, according to recent research from the American Medical Association and Medscape.
General internal medicine: 40%. General internists are particularly affected by burnout, as highlighted in studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine (formerly Archives of Internal Medicine), which discuss the significant impact of work environment and training structures on the well-being of internal medicine residents and practitioners.
Here are the five specialties with the highest burnout rates:
Although the exact rates change from year to year, these specialties have consistently high rates compared to others. This is typically because of factors like long hours, high patient loads, and emotionally draining cases.
Here are the five specialties with the lowest burnout rates:
Lower rates in these specialties are likely because of scheduling flexibility and office-based work settings.
Burnout among physician assistants, nurses, and other medical professionals is also prevalent. Approximately 41% of PAs have reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout in 2024.
Like physicians, PAs are often juggling high workloads and long hours. Another cause of burnout for PAs is lack of support and recognition. Many PAs feel they don't receive enough guidance from their supervising physicians, or that their responsibilities are unclear.
Pharmacy professionals experience high rates of burnout compared to physicians and other medical professionals. Mayo Clinic reports that 62% of pharmacists have experienced burnout.
When more than half of pharmacists are experiencing burnout, it increases the risk of medical malpractice and negligence.
For many people, signs of physician burnout start in the high-pressure environment of medical school and residency training. Many residents work more than 60 hours per week, which can quickly lead to burnout without additional support. Mayo Clinic reports that approximately half of medical students develop burnout during their training.
Female physicians experience significantly higher burnout rates than male physicians. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 51% of female physicians reported burnout, compared to 36% of male physicians.
Many complex reasons exist to explain why women experience higher burnout rates in these roles than men do. Systemic gender inequities are still present in the healthcare system, which means female physicians often face discrimination and bias. Additionally, many female physicians are also juggling more childcare responsibilities than their male counterparts.
Additionally, burnout rates tend to be lower for physicians working in smaller private practices, although this isn't universal. This is likely because of the fact that these settings offer more flexible schedules and more autonomy.
There are a variety of factors that contribute to burnout. Most cases are complex, caused by a combination of stressors rather than one specific challenge or situation. Poor work conditions and organizational factors are significant contributors to physician burnout. They influence many aspects of medical practice and clinician well-being.
If you’re a healthcare professional, it’s important to know the signs of burnout so you can address it before things spiral out of control.
Burnout is diagnosed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory, which measures emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment levels.
When asked about their well-being or fatigue, physicians may respond automatically or defensively, often due to cultural tendencies to hide stress and emotional vulnerability.
When physician burnout isn’t treated appropriately, it has a ripple effect on the entire medical industry. Evidence from research studies shows that burnout is linked to negative outcomes for both physicians and patients. Here are some of the negative outcomes associated with physician burnout across all specialties:
Career burnout is a temporary condition, and there are many treatment options available if you are struggling. In order for these solutions to work, they need buy-in from the physician and support from those in leadership positions. Improving physician satisfaction is a key goal of effective burnout interventions, as it leads to better well-being and reduced burnout.
Here are some of the most effective treatments for reducing physician burnout:
The best way to combat physician burnout is to address it proactively and prevent it from happening. Organizational strategies to prevent clinician burnout are essential for maintaining a healthy workforce. However, providers can’t always do this on their own: they need support from organizational leadership.
Environmental factors are a significant contributor to burnout. Effective leadership means creating a supportive environment and prioritizing physician well-being.
Here’s what medical teams can do to reduce and prevent burnout cases.
The electronic health record (EHR) has become an essential tool in modern medicine, but for many physicians, it is also a major source of emotional exhaustion and stress. Recent studies, including research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveal that physicians spend an average of two hours each day managing EHR tasks. This often takes place outside of regular patient appointments, too. Such significant administrative burden can detract from the time and energy available for direct patient care, leading to decreased job satisfaction and a higher risk of burnout.
Many physicians report that the complexity and inefficiency of current EHR systems contribute to feelings of frustration and overwhelm. Instead of enhancing quality care, these systems can sometimes create barriers, making it harder for doctors to connect with patients and maintain a sense of professional accomplishment. The American Medical Association has recognized these challenges and is actively advocating for more user-friendly EHR designs, as well as streamlined workflows that allow physicians to focus on what matters most: their patients.
The impact of EHR-related stress is not felt equally among all physicians. Female physicians, in particular, are at greater risk for burnout linked to electronic health records. Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that female physicians are more likely than their male colleagues to take on additional documentation and administrative tasks, increasing their exposure to EHR-related stressors. This can amplify symptoms of burnout, such as emotional exhaustion and reduced satisfaction with their work-life balance.
To prevent burnout, it is crucial for both individual physicians and healthcare organizations to take proactive steps. Physicians can benefit from seeking support from colleagues, prioritizing self-care, and advocating for improvements in their work environment. Medical education programs are also beginning to include EHR training, helping new doctors develop the skills they need to manage electronic health records efficiently and reduce stress.
Organizations play a vital role in preventing burnout by investing in better EHR systems, providing ongoing training, and reducing unnecessary administrative burdens. The National Academy of Medicine recommends a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of burnout, including improving EHR usability and promoting a culture of wellness and support. Tools like the Maslach Burnout Inventory can help identify early symptoms of burnout, allowing for timely intervention.
Ultimately, reducing the negative impact of EHRs on physician well-being requires collaboration between healthcare providers, organizations, and technology developers. By streamlining electronic health record systems, supporting work-life balance, and fostering a supportive workplace culture, the healthcare system can help physicians maintain their energy reserves, deliver quality care, and achieve greater career satisfaction.
Medical burnout skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians and their teams were suddenly dealing with an influx of ill patients, chronic understaffing, and the stress of working in a high-risk setting.
As COVID-19 has become endemic, burnout rates have dropped in many specialties. However, burnout is still a serious concern for medical institutions, as it has a direct impact on patient care. Addressing burnout effectively requires coordinated efforts across the entire healthcare system, focusing on improving working conditions and supporting clinician well-being. Many large healthcare organizations are taking steps to reduce burnout by implementing system-wide wellness programs.
In the future, it’s possible that AI technology could help reduce burnout by automating administrative work, such as electronic charting. This would give physicians more time to focus on working directly with patients. However, this approach needs to be paired with mental health support and work-life balance to be successful.
No matter your medical specialty, burnout can lead to medical malpractice cases without proper care and support. Simplifying procedures, encouraging work-life balance, and providing mental health support are all helpful physician burnout solutions. These solutions are especially important for high-risk specialties like emergency medicine and family medicine.
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