More physicians are reporting high burnout rates, which may have serious consequences. Each year, 300 physicians to 400 physicians die by suicide in the United States, according to Diagnostic Imaging.
Burnout can also result in exhaustion and take the pleasure out of medicine. Sue Jacques, a medical and corporate professionalism consultant based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, provides physicians four decisions they can make daily to limit burnout before it becomes all-encompassing.
Here are four decisions:
1. Delegate. Give your staff different tasks such as taking a patient's history or conducting a follow-up so you can focus on the areas of medicine you deem a priority. Also, have your patients come to appointments prepared with a list of written requests and symptoms.
2. Change the way you run your practice. Take the time to evaluate what is working and what may be lacking in your practice. Try new things to diversify your practice, such as adding a specialty clinic for flu season. Therefore, your team will be ready when an influx of flu patients seeks care.
3. Say no, respectively. Try your best to not over-commit. Say no to different committees or obligations for which you lack the time. Also, it is crucial to learn how to say no to patients when they have unwarranted requests.
4. Allot time to relax. Do an activity that you truly enjoy such as meditation or running.
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