Physician Burnout Rose Sharply as COVID-19 Spread Across the U.S.

In the fourth triennial burnout survey of U.S. physicians, conducted between November 2020 and March 2021, 38% of physicians reported at least one burnout symptom (e.g., emotional exhaustion, detachment and depersonalization, perceived ineffectiveness), and 54% were dissatisfied with their work-life balance. These results were similar to those in previous surveys. To determine the effect of the mature COVID-19 pandemic on burnout, investigators conducted a mid-cycle survey in December 2021 and January 2022, after all areas in the U.S. had experienced multiple COVID-19 surges.

The mid-cycle survey showed that the prevalence of burnout symptoms and dissatisfaction with work-life balance had risen significantly to 63% and 70% of physicians, res…