San Antonio – Doctor burnout hit a peak during COVID-19, and surveys by the American Medical Association (AMA) show some improvements in how they are feeling.
In 2021, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio began efforts to improve their doctors’ wellbeing.
Sylvia Botros-Brey, MD, assistant dean for faculty and professor at the Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio, said the first step was a survey to gauge doctors’ feelings and identify ways the organization could help reduce burnout.
“Our leaders implemented a listening campaign, and that was to be able to understand what the problems were,” she said.
This led to solutions, including staffing adjustments and the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help doctors spend less personal time on work.
“What we’re trying to do is give physicians the tools to be able to come to work each day, ready to meet their patients with that joy that brought them to medicine in the first place,” Botros-Brey said.
She said these steps made a difference, though ongoing adjustments are needed to help doctors continue to adapt.
The AMA recognized UT Health San Antonio among 62 health systems nationwide in its Joy in Medicine Health System Recognition Program.
A recent JAMA Network study showed over 32% of physicians are considering leaving their careers within two years due to burnout. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of up to 86,000 U.S. physicians by 2036.
Botros-Brey said signs of burnout include exhaustion, lack of motivation, and loss of empathy. She hopes ongoing changes will help reinvigorate doctors and restore joy to medicine.
“I think when you walk into your doctor’s office, and your doctor looks well-rested and relaxed and can like pay attention to you, and you feel that, that has a lot to do with that individual and the system that they’re working in,” she said.
Showing up to your doctor’s office with questions ready, a smile and some grace is also appreciated, she said.