Strategies for Preventing Physician Burnout

If you’re reading this, you already know it: Burnout is a serious problem in the medical profession, especially among new attending doctors. As they transition from residency to their first attending positions, many doctors find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of their new roles, leading to stress, exhaustion, overwhelm, and a general sense of burnout.

Medical training in itself is stressful, so why are new attending doctors so susceptible to burnout? There are a few key factors at play. For one, transitioning from residency or fellowship to attending status can shock the system. Attending physicians have more responsibility, more autonomy, and often more administrative tasks to manage than residents or fellows, all while treating more patients and holding more responsibility.

In addition, many new attending doctors feel pressure to prove themselves and establish their reputations in their new positions. After a literal decade of training, the training wheels are off - it can be scary. This pressure typically leads to long hours, constant work, and a lack of work-life balance, all contributing to burnout.

As you might expect, the consequences of new attending doctor burnout are serious. Burned-out doctors are more likely to make errors, have lower patient satisfaction ratings, and experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. It's also not uncommon for burned-out doctors to leave the profession altogether, either for a different specialty or a different career path entirely.

Hope it is not lost, though! Here are a few strategies that can be helpful for new attending physicians to help prevent burnout:

Set realistic expectations - with yourself, your partner, and your work colleagues. Recognize that it will take time to adjust to your new role and that you won't be able to accomplish everything simultaneously. Give, and make, yourself space. Prioritize the most important and most urgent tasks and projects, and be willing to delegate when and where you can.

Seek support, guidance, and community. Don't be afraid to ask for help when needed, whether from colleagues or mentors - talking to others who have gone through a similar experience can be immensely helpful. Also, talking to a trained professional, like a coach, can give you the time and space to sort through your stress and overwhelm, gain clarity about your situation, and develop a plan to improve it.

Take care of yourself. Yes, it’s easier said than done, but self-care is critical for preventing burnout. Ensure you get enough sleep, exercise, and healthy food, and set aside precious time for spending time with loved ones, your favorite hobbies, and good ol’ relaxation.

Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness meditation can be a powerful tool for managing stress and preventing burnout - even a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference. Consider downloading an app like Headspace or Calm, working with a coach to develop a mindfulness practice, or even taking a course.

New attending doctor burnout is serious, but it's not inevitable. By prioritizing your well-being and managing your stress, new attending doctors can prevent burnout and enjoy fulfilling and sustainable medical careers.

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Hi, I’m Coral.

I specialize in helping physicians and moms navigate their best path forward in systems that aren’t built for them. My work with physician clients (and my husband’s journey as an attending physician-scientist) has given me an intimate look into these systems — while also integrating a much-needed outside perspective.

Interested in working together? See how I work with both individuals and organizations for sustainable growth. Schedule a free consultation.