It’s Time For A Change: Stop Accepting a Physician Burnout Rate of 50%

Burnout among physicians has reached a critical point, and it's a call to action we cannot ignore. The 2024 Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report reveals that an astounding 49% of doctors are experiencing burnout, with specialties like emergency medicine, OB-GYN, oncology, and pediatrics facing rates exceeding 50%. Even more distressing is the fact that 16% of women and 14% of men are so overwhelmed they're contemplating leaving the profession they love. For those of us who have devoted our lives to healing others, this situation is simply intolerable. We must refuse to accept burnout as the norm and urgently implement measures to safeguard our well-being, preserve our careers, and reclaim our autonomy.

We urgently need to address the issue of doctors joining corporate medical factories, where they are treated like assembly line workers. This approach is unsustainable and leads to burnout as it strips away our professional autonomy. The alarming trends and statistics clearly demonstrate that continuing down this path, expecting different outcomes, is futile, and akin to what Eistein called “Insanity”—doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. Immediate action is required to change this trajectory before it's too late.

Read More: Doctors Weren't Designed To Be Healthcare Factory Workers

Understanding the Causes of Burnout

Burnout isn’t just about long hours or the demands of patient care. While those play a role, the number-one driver of burnout reported by physicians is bureaucracy—mountains of paperwork, prior authorizations, and administrative red tape that take us away from what we were trained to do: care for patients. Other factors include increasing financial pressures on health systems, inadequate resources, and the growing burden of "doing more with less."

For female physicians, additional stressors such as pay gaps, fewer leadership opportunities, and greater challenges balancing work-life responsibilities exacerbate the problem. These systemic issues are not easily solved, but that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.

Why Professional Autonomy Is Key

The traditional healthcare system is failing many of us, and staying within its confines often feels like an exercise in endurance. But here’s the truth: preserving your professional autonomy can be a lifeline—not just for your career, but for your mental health.

One of the most empowering ways to reclaim your autonomy is by incorporating yourself as a micro-corporation. By doing so, you can take control of how you practice medicine, choose your patients, and define your workflow. This is more than just a business decision; it’s a way to protect yourself from the stressors that contribute to burnout.

Read More:

• The Urgency of Now: A Guide for Physicians on Launching Their Micro-Corporation

• 3 Reasons You Should Create A Professional Micro-Corporation

Steps to Prevent Burnout and Reclaim Your Career

If you’re feeling the weight of burnout or want to safeguard against it, here’s a roadmap to help you chart a healthier path forward:

1. Acknowledge the Problem and Assess Your Situation

The first step is recognizing the signs of burnout—emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decreased sense of accomplishment. Take a moment to reflect on your current situation:

• Are you feeling trapped by administrative burdens?

• Is your work-life balance out of sync?

• Do you feel disconnected from the reasons you entered medicine?

Self-awareness is crucial to making meaningful changes.

2. Preserve Your Professional Autonomy

Incorporating yourself as a micro-corporation is one of the most powerful steps you can take. Here’s why:

• Control Your Practice: As a micro-corporation, you decide how and where you practice medicine. You’re no longer bound by the dictates of hospital administrators or health system policies.

• Simplify Finances: Operating as a business allows you to maximize tax benefits, control overhead costs, and build a more sustainable financial future.

• Align with Your Values: A micro-corporation lets you prioritize patient care in a way that aligns with your professional and ethical values.

Pro tip: Purchase my best selling book about how to do this, or download a free digital copy here

3. Consider Independence from a Broken System

Physicians are increasingly finding freedom by stepping away from the traditional healthcare system. Whether it’s starting a cash-based practice, offering telemedicine services, or focusing on niche specialties, there are countless ways to practice medicine on your terms. Independence doesn’t mean isolation—you can build a supportive network of like-minded professionals while enjoying the benefits of autonomy.

4. Develop a Financial Safety Net

Burnout is often exacerbated by financial pressures. Diversify your income streams and focus on building a solid financial foundation. This might mean investing in real estate, starting a side hustle, or simply taking control of your financial planning. The goal is to reduce dependence on a single employer and create the freedom to make career choices that prioritize your well-being.

5. Prioritize Wellness

Taking care of your patients starts with taking care of yourself. Build habits that support your physical and mental health:

• Get Enough Sleep: Sleep is essential for emotional resilience and cognitive function.

• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is a proven stress reliever and mood booster.

• Stay Connected: Lean on friends, family, and professional networks for support.

• Seek Professional Help: If you’re struggling with burnout or depression, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental health professional.

6. Invest in Your Growth

Continuous learning and professional development can help you stay engaged and inspired. Consider attending conferences like WCICON or enrolling in courses that align with your career goals. For example, SimpliMD offers resources tailored to physicians looking to build their own micro-corporations or transition to independent practice.

A Call to Action: Take the First Step Today

Burnout isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a systemic problem that requires systemic solutions. But you have the power to take control of your career and protect your well-being. Start by preserving your professional autonomy through incorporation, exploring paths to independence, and prioritizing your mental and physical health.

At SimpliMD, we’re here to help. Whether you’re ready to incorporate, looking to transition to an independent practice, or simply need guidance, we have resources to support you:

• $2000 SimpliMD Business Coaching: Receive 1:1 holistic coaching tailored to small business growth, with flexible monthly or quarterly programs to fit your needs.

• $199 Creating A Practice Without Walls Course: Discover how to launch your own virtual professional micro-corporation and thrive in the expanding marketplace with this comprehensive course.

• $99 1:1 Micro-Business Consultation: Work directly with me to evaluate your professional life and explore how a micro-corporation can elevate your career.

Don’t let burnout define your career. Take the first step today to reclaim your autonomy, your passion for medicine, and your life.