Burnout is afflicting more than half the physicians in the United States, according to the National Academy of Medicine, which defines it as “a syndrome characterized by a high degree of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a low sense of personal accomplishment at work.” Doctors are leaving the field in droves, intensifying acute workforce shortages that put patients at risk. Those who stay behind are struggling to perform their jobs optimally, and are in danger of making medical errors. Recognizing the crisis, health experts and advocates are exploring evidence-based opportunities to build back physician well-being in order to protect patient health and strengthen health systems.
