Burnout in Doctors: The Insidious Flame That Threatens to Consume

As a doctor, I can honestly say burnout doesn’t announce itself with a dramatic bang. Instead, it

creeps in quietly, often disguised as dedication or the price we pay for excellence. Burnout can

feel like another aspect of the job in a profession where long hours, life-and-death decisions,

and constant vigilance are all part of the daily grind. But just because it's common doesn’t make it normal—or acceptable.

How Burnout Creeps In

For me, burnout didn’t hit all at once. It began with small, seemingly insignificant moments. A

late night here, a skipped meal there, or squeezing in one more patient when I should’ve gone

home. At first, it all felt manageable, even honourable. After all, medicine is a calling, right? But

over time, these little sacrifices took a toll on my body, mind, and spirit.

Here's how burnout slowly began to take over:

1. Over commitment: Like many of my colleagues, I entered medicine with a deep sense

of responsibility and a burning desire to help others. This led me to overextend myself,

taking extra shifts, saying yes to every opportunity, and working more hours than I had

time for.

2. Unpredictable Schedules: Medicine is unpredictable. Emergencies don’t wait for office

hours. Late-night calls, weekend rounds, and last-minute patient crises disrupted any

chance for rest or recovery. And I didn’t know how to say no.

3. Emotional Overload: Being a doctor isn’t just about fixing physical problems. We’re

constantly asked to give emotionally—delivering bad news, witnessing suffering, and

managing challenging patient expectations. Over time, that emotional toll started to wear

me down.

4. Normalization of Stress: In medicine, stress is often seen as a sign of dedication.

Complaining about being tired or overwhelmed usually gets a response like, “That’s just

part of the job.” I’ve heard that too many times, and I even started to believe it at one

point.

5. Loss of Autonomy: As my days filled with more administrative tasks, dealing with

electronic health records, and endless regulations, I found less and less time to do what

I loved: caring for my patients. That loss of autonomy made burnout feel even worse.

What Burnout Looked Like for Me and My Colleagues

Burnout isn’t always easy to spot because it doesn’t announce itself in obvious ways. For me,

and many of my colleagues, it looked like this:

1. Emotional Exhaustion: I felt utterly drained, struggling to find the energy to care for my

patients, engage with colleagues, or even spend time with my family.

2. Cynicism and Detachment: I became increasingly detached from my work, my

patients, and even the profession. It’s as if I started “turning off” my empathy just to get

through the day.

3. Decreased Effectiveness: Despite working harder, I found myself missing details,

falling behind on tasks, and feeling like I could never catch up.

4. Physical Symptoms: The emotional and mental strain manifested physically—chronic

headaches, insomnia, muscle tension, digestive issues. I experienced these symptoms

firsthand.

5. Isolation: As my energy dwindled, I pulled away from colleagues, friends, and even

loved ones. The idea of socializing felt like too much effort, so I isolated myself more and

more.

Why Medicine Is Prone to Burnout

The very nature of medicine creates the perfect environment for burnout:

● Unpredictability: You can’t plan for emergencies, and this constant unpredictability

adds stress in a way few other professions understand.

● High Stakes: The stakes in medicine are incredibly high. Mistakes carry life-or-death

consequences, so we’re always under pressure to perform perfectly.

● Emotional Labor: As a doctor, I’m responsible for physical health and emotional

support, often to patients and families in crisis.

● Stigma Around Self-Care: Despite a growing focus on wellness, I’ve often felt that

taking time to care for myself would be a weakness or a lack of dedication.

How I Combat Burnout and Help Others Do the Same

Burnout may be insidious, but it’s not inevitable. Here are the steps I’ve taken to protect myself

and help my colleagues do the same:

1. Recognize the Signs: The first step is awareness. I’ve learned to check in with myself

regularly—physically, emotionally, and mentally—to gauge my performance.

2. Set Boundaries: I’ve learned to say “no” without feeling guilty. I’ve understood that I

can’t give my best to others if I’m running on empty, so I prioritize self-care.

3. Build a Support Network: I must surround myself with colleagues who understand the

unique pressures of our field. Connecting with others in the same boat helps reduce

feelings of isolation.

4. Prioritize Self-Care: I schedule time for rest, exercise, and hobbies, treating these

activities as non-negotiable. I’ve realized that caring for myself isn’t selfish; it’s

necessary.

5. Seek Professional Help: Burnout is not a sign of failure. Seeking therapy or coaching

has given me the tools to manage stress, rebuild resilience, and maintain my mental

health.

6. Advocate for Change: I’ve started advocating for changes in the system, such as

reducing administrative burdens, improving work-life balance, and ensuring that

physician well-being is prioritized at the institutional level.

Final Thoughts

Burnout doesn’t have to be a foregone conclusion for doctors. By recognizing its early signs and

addressing the cultural and systemic issues perpetuating it, we can create a healthier, more

sustainable work environment for physicians. When we, as doctors, thrive, our patients

benefit—ultimately, that’s a win for everyone.