KevinMD recently posted an article by Doctor Shreeti Kapoor titled “Physician Burnout and a Big Career Change.” This is a good read for the many physicians experiencing burnout, those considering a career change, and others already in nonclinical careers. In the article, Dr. Kapoor writes:
“Physician burnout continues to increase as we enter into year three of the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2021, the Physicians Foundation reported data from a survey of 2,504 physicians conducted from May 26-June 9, 2021. In this survey, 61 percent of physicians reported experiencing burnout, an increase from 40 percent reported in the 2018 data. This burnout is often seen in those who, during their midlife, may feel what Brene Brown calls ‘the unraveling.’ This is a time when many physicians may want to turn off auto-pilot and re-evaluate their goals. Pair that feeling with a never-before-experienced pandemic, and physicians may be leaving their field in larger than ever numbers.”
Dr. Kapoor recounts personal experience changing careers from a community pediatrics practice to a position as an assistant professor, concluding by writing, “My experience has shown me that change is possible, and when I advise new physicians going out into the world, I am going to remind them of my career arc.”
This is a well written personal account. To read the full article, please visit the KevinMD website.
