The Solutions to Physician Burnout

Like many doctors, you've probably battled frustration and disappointment with medicine. We're burnt out due to poor work-life balance, administrative overreach, or disrespectful patients and colleagues.

Here are helpful strategies you can implement immediately to mitigate burnout, increase resilience, and reclaim your joy in medicine.

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You're more than your job - Don't define yourself by work. You're a multifaceted person far beyond your profession. Yes, you're a doctor. But you're also a family member, friend, philanthropist, teacher, student, athlete, hobbyist, etc.

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Reconnect with (real) friends - True friends are your most powerful weapon in the battle against burnout, and research shows that friends are essential for happiness as we age. Friendships take work. Be intentional. Call and visit your friends, even if that requires time off work. You'll thank me later. I recommend reading From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks to learn more about friendships as we age.

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Exercise - I know you know exercise is vital for wellness. But don't forget that sports are great for your mood, too. You'll feel fantastic after a game of pickleball or golf with friends. Play regularly.

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Creative outlets - In my audiobook The Physician Wellness Project, I call it the Medical School Paradox. Medical schools select for creative, innovative people. Yet, doctors rarely get to express our creativity once we're in the world of medicine. I encourage all my consulting clients to undertake a creative project or business. It helps!

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Administration & Leadership - You can be one of the people "upstairs" who makes the rules. Take on a leadership role at your institution or professional society. Doctors like you are in demand!

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Ready to learn more about how you can defeat burnout? Sign up for my new Teachable Online Course on Burnout. For a limited time, it's only $95.?

Your biggest fan,

Gregory Charlop, MD