Comparing burnout and work-life balance among specialists in internal medicine: the role of inpatient vs. outpatient workplace

Background Compared to the general population, physicians are more likely to experience increased burnout and lowered work-life balance. In our article, we want to analyze whether the workplace of a physician is associated with these outcomes. Methods In September 2019, physicians from various specialties answered a comprehensive questionnaire. We analyzed a subsample of 183 internists that were working full time, 51.4% were female. Results Multivariate analysis showed that internists working in an outpatient setting exhibit significantly higher WLB and more favorable scores on all three burnout dimensions. In the regression analysis, hospital-based physicians exhibited higher exhaustion, cynicism and total burnout score as well as lower WLB. Conclusions Physician working at hospitals exhibit less favorable outcomes compared to their colleagues in outpatient settings. This could be a consequence of workplace-specific factors that could be targeted by interventions to improve physician mental health and subsequent patient care.

Physician-Friendly States for Mental Health: A Comparison of Medical Licensing Boards

Do medical boards undermine physician mental health by breaching physician confidentiality and privacy? We analyze the initial medical licensing process in each state to determine if qualified applicants who report mental illness experience discrimination. We then identify the most favorable states for physician mental health.

Introduction to the Special Issue on Physician Mental Health

Amid tragedy, a doctor’s most heroic act may be to listen - to be a sacred witness to the suffering of patients. Yet where do heroic doctors go with their pain? Who listens to the suffering of physicians? The guilt of not being able to do more for patients. The burden of delivering devastating news to families. The work-related anxiety and depression due to unrealistic expectations of perfectionism. (...)