Cultivate a supportive network
Building a strong support network is vital, including colleagues and peers that understand your day-to-day challenges. This might entail seeking out opportunities for professional networking and participating in organizations specifically tailored to physicians. Sharing your experiences can provide emotional support when you realize that you are not alone.

Delegate and collaborate
It is important to recognize your own limitations and not shoulder the entire burden alone. Forty-nine percent of Canadian MDs are considering reducing or modifying their clinical work in the next two years². One of the main drivers of this desire is poor or minimal time for documentation³. Foster a collaborative environment with your team and share responsibilities in the workplace. At home, outsourcing household chores and outdoor maintenance will free up time to complete work tasks or engage in self-care activities.

Practice mindfulness and stress reduction
Try to incorporate stress reduction techniques into your daily routine, like mindfulness exercises, meditation, yoga, or even just deep breathing. These practices can reduce stress, increase focus at work, and promote overall well-being. Taking short breaks between patient visits can allow you to reset and recharge.

Maintain a healthy work-life balance
Balancing professional commitments with your personal life is essential in preventing burnout. Young physicians especially are prioritizing wellness to ensure longevity in their careers³. Schedule time off regularly and ensure that others respect those boundaries; vacations let you rest and reconnect with friends and family. Unplugging from work-related responsibilities even for a short time may let you return with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Seek mentorship and professional development
Two of the most important predictors for burnout are low professional fulfillment (minimal feelings of accomplishment) and career dissatisfaction³. Seeking supervision can provide valuable guidance throughout your career. Regular check-ins with a trusted mentor can help identify early signs of burnout and allow for course correction. Invest in your own professional development by attending conferences and workshops or setting a goal to attain a new certification. Expanding your skillset or starting a ‘side-hustle’ can reignite your passion for medicine or steer you in a career direction you hadn’t considered before.

Develop emotional resilience
Developing resilience in the face of emotional stress is necessary to maintain balance. Consider activities that promote emotional well-being such as journaling, talking to a trusted friend (even outside of the healthcare field), or participating in a support group. Practicing self-compassion and cultivating a positive mindset can help navigate difficult work scenarios more easily. From a systemic point of view, addressing bullying and harassment in the workplace can help mitigate burnout³.

Physician burnout is a significant problem that requires attention and proactive measures. By implementing these tips and making self-care a priority, you can better navigate the demanding nature of the profession. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a selfish act but a necessity to continue to provide excellent care to your patients and find fulfillment in your medical career.

Author: Dr. Krishna Sharma, Chief Medical Officer, Specialty Medical Partners

References:
1. Burnout among physicians compared with individuals with a professional or doctoral degree in a field outside of medicine. Mayo Clinic Proceedings Vol 94(3), March 2019, pg 549-551.
2. 2021 National Physician Health Survey conducted by Canadian Medical Association
3. “From data to action: understanding the drivers of physician wellness. Regression analyses – 2021 National Physician Health Survey results.” Canadian Medical Association November 2022.