You might be interested in…Stress

Physicians face high levels of responsibility, long work hours, and numerous job demands that often spill over into their personal lives. A review article from the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the United States examines the mental health of physicians as patients.¹

In 2020, only 43.6% of physicians reported satisfaction with work-life balance, compared to 62.5% of the general working population in the US. Despite this, 72.2% of physicians expressed a willingness to choose the medical profession again, indicating that the rewards outweigh the challenges.

Dr. Ray O'Connor

Doctors face demanding careers and numerous stressors that make them susceptible to burnout, substance abuse, and mental health issues, similar to the general population. Overcoming the stigma associated with seeking help for mental health issues remains a significant challenge for physicians.

It is crucial for physicians to understand that seeking help is a mature and responsible decision that can positively impact their careers. Proper treatment not only benefits their well-being but also enhances their professional performance.

Ensuring the health and well-being of nurses and doctors in the workplace is essential for maintaining the quality of care they provide. While various health assessment tools exist, there is a lack of instruments specifically designed for assessing the health of healthcare professionals in hospital settings. A recent study provides a comprehensive overview of health assessment instruments tailored for this purpose.²

Medical malpractice claims are on the rise, with most practicing physicians likely to face at least one claim during their careers. The stress associated with litigation and medical malpractice can have a significant impact on clinicians' lives, exacerbating existing mental health issues.

Effective coping strategies are vital for physicians to manage stress and maintain their well-being. Strategies such as prioritizing self-care, reframing stressful events, and nurturing personal relationships can help physicians navigate the challenges they face in their profession.

Research indicates a concerning increase in work-related stress among Norwegian physicians, particularly general practitioners. Occupational stress levels have been shown to impact various aspects of physicians' lives, with factors such as work-home conflict, colleague support, and workload playing key roles in predicting occupational stress.⁴

Emergency physicians, in particular, face high levels of work-related stress and burnout, with factors such as work characteristics and exposure to traumatic incidents contributing to these challenges. Personal characteristics and coping strategies also play a significant role in determining the risk of burnout among emergency physicians.⁵

References:

1. Couser G et al. Physician Health Series, Part 3: Physician Mental Health. Mayo Clin Proc. July 2024;99(7):1178-1186 n https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2024.01.020


2. Boskma A et al. Prioritising nurses’ and doctors’ health at work: a scoping review of monitoring instruments. BMJ Open 2024;14:e079861. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079861.


3. Cocchiarale F et al. Medical Malpractice Stress Syndrome. Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America Volume 43, Issue 1, February 2025, Pages 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.emc.2024.05.024


4. Oftung B et al. Occupational stress among Norwegian physicians: A literature review of long-term prospective studies 2007–2019. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 2025; 53: 302–310. doi: 10.1177/14034948241243164.


5. Somville F et al. Work stress and burnout among emergency physicians: a systematic review of last 10 years of research. Acta Clin Belg 2024 Feb;79(1):52-61. doi:10.1080/17843286.2023.2273611.