How to Recognize and Avoid Burnout

Abstract

Academic physicians face tremendous daily stressors, related to being both health care providers and educators and working in a fast paced environment. Chronic work-related stress may lead to burnout, a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment [1]. Burnout is circumscribed to the work sphere, as opposed to depression, which typically has more pervasive effects on one's personal and professional life. The research discussed in this chapter refers to M.D.s, but it may be applicable to academic faculty members who are not physicians as well, and our suggestions are intended to benefit all academic medicine faculty. The following paragraphs will highlight selected factors that may increase the risk of burnout. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)