Originally posted on Medscape.com. Physicians have struggled with burnout for some time, but it has become worse during the pandemic, influencing happiness, relationships, career satisfaction, and patient care. Tragically, burnout and depression have led to a number of physician suicides, deeply affecting families and the medical profession.
In this year's report, Medscape explores how physicians are coping with burnout and how it affects their view of their profession. More than 12,000 physicians in over 29 specialties responded to our survey. Data were collected from August 30 through November 5, 2020.
Some totals in this presentation do not equal 100% due to rounding.
Burnout is still at a critical level. This year, 42% of physicians reported that they are burned out, similar to last year. But COVID-19's influence seems to have affected some specialties more than others.
Last year, the five specialties ranked highest on burnout were urology, neurology, nephrology, endocrinology, and family medicine.
The lineup is different this year; the specialties ranked highest include critical care (44% in 2020), rheumatology (46% in 2020), and infectious diseases (45% in last year's report).
Women have consistently reported higher percentages of burnout than men over the years, but this year the disparity was greater than usual. (The smallest difference was seen in our 2013 report, when 37% of men and 45% of women said they were burned out.)
"Many women physicians are in families with children at home," says Carol Bernstein, MD, psychiatrist, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York. "It's already known that women assume more responsibilities in the home than do men. The pressures have increased during COVID-19: having to be their child's teacher during homeschooling; no childcare; and the grandparents can't babysit. Those all bring enormous pressure and burdens. In addition, all doctors and nurses are worried about bringing the virus home to their families."
"Many women physicians are in families with children at home," says Carol Bernstein, MD, psychiatrist, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, New York. "It's already known that women assume more responsibilities in the home than do men. The pressures have increased during COVID-19: having to be their child's teacher during homeschooling; no childcare; and the grandparents can't babysit. Those all bring enormous pressure and burdens. In addition, all doctors and nurses are worried about bringing the virus home to their families."
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