As reported by multiple media channels recently, burnout from COVID has been associated with an increase in the number of physicians changing jobs or retiring early.
According to US News and World Report:
“A survey by The Physicians Foundation of more than 3,000 U.S. physicians looks at the impact COVID-19 has had on medical practices and its emotional toll on doctors. Results from parts one and two of the three-part survey have been released so far.
… The survey found that 8% of physicians had closed their practices… With more than 200,000 medical practices in the United States, that means about 16,000 had closed. Another 4% of doctors planned to close shop within 12 months. A majority reported losing income during the pandemic.
… Key findings about emotional impacts of COVID-19 included that half of physicians had experienced inappropriate anger, tearfulness or anxiety as a result of the pandemic. About 30% felt hopeless, and 8% had thoughts of self-harm. Others turned to drugs and alcohol or sought mental health help.
… The number of doctors who reported feeling burnout was 58%, much higher than 40% just two years ago. Physicians were already feeling burnout for a variety of reasons, including regulations they felt impeded patient care…The public’s response to science during the pandemic has added to that.”
You can read the full article here.
