to 46.7 %. Physicians in private practice cited high overhead costs to include labor, insurance, difficulty negotiating insurance payments, malpractice and administrative burdens as reasons for becoming employed. This loss of autonomy can lead to increased physician burnout, job dissatisfaction and feeling less in control of making medical practice decisions.
The AMA has been on the forefront of addressing physician burnout. According to this organization, physician complaints of burnout have been a longstanding issue within the medical community. As a result of this burnout, physicians are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with medicine as a career choice. This dissatisfaction is leading to an exodus of physicians from the medical profession. According to the American Medical Association article titled Medicine’ s Great Resignation?, one in five doctors plan to exit in two years( Henry, 2022). The author discussed that more physicians are planning to reduce their work hours or leave their current medical practice in the next two years. Henry discussed factors that lead to physician burnout. Also, the author referenced resources providing strategies to reduce physician burnout.
In summary, some physicians are facing increased burnout due to the following: higher cost of medical education, requirements and demands of the medical profession, loss of autonomy, increased administrative tasks, bureaucratic intervention, expanded technology tasks, more regulatory requirements, balancing personal and work life, long work hours without adequate compensation, etc. All of these factors have contributed to job dissatisfaction. Thus, physicians are reducing their work hours or leaving the profession
through early retirement or career change.
What can be done to reduce physician burnout? Some solutions include supporting the AMA and other organized professional physician organizations that can offer guidance. These organizations also address other issues that are important to physicians and patients. The AMA is committed to understanding and identifying the drivers of stress for physicians that can lead to burnout. Once these drivers are identified, programs and infrastructure changes can be established to help support physicians’ well-being and decrease burnout.
Physicians should continue to work with corporations, governmental agencies, hospital administrations, legislators and the courts to pass and enforce laws that are in the best interests of physicians and their patients. And finally, physicians should set boundaries regarding work and personal life and seek appropriate help when needed to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Confidential professional counseling is always available to GLMS members to help with managing stress and seeking solutions.
It is imperative to keep physicians in the medical profession as they are the leaders in health care. There is a predicted physician shortage in the future. The medical service of each physician is essential because their work makes the entire health care system stronger.
Dr. Hargett is a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in private practice.
April 2025 5