Radiology leaders share 5 pearls of wisdom for navigating burnout
The burnout epidemic is crushing radiologists' professional fulfillment and pushing many to seriously consider leaving their organization. And the ongoing pandemic has presented new, higher hurdles to contend with.
Radiology leaders from across the country shared their personal perspectives on the public health crisis and potential paths forward on Wednesday, Sept. 8, in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
Below are a few key excerpts from the six rads who contributed to the manuscript.
1) COVID-19 has “without a doubt” amplified burnout, according to Cheri Canon, MD, a radiologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The massive dip in medical imaging volumes has pushed some to feel dispensable and a near-endless stream of infected patients has exacerbated existing stress.
And while most rads were spared direct contact with COVID-19 patients, abrupt changes to everyday life outside of work have also contributed to burnout. But healthcare providers often come together during crises, and Canon says she is energized by seeing the remarkable care from providers around her.
2) Noelle Hoven, MD, of the University of Minnesota’s Department of Radiology, has witnessed colleagues leave medicine altogether due to burnout. In fact, the Minneapolis-based residency program lost 36-year-old Gretchen Butler, MD, to suicide last year, with burnout believed to be a major contributor.
“Although the outcome of what happened cannot change, my hope is that we continue the conversations about recognizing, minimizing and overcoming burnout,” Hoven wrote in AJR.
3) Discussing burnout is one thing, but radiology departments need to assess work environments and culture to support wellness, the authors noted. Efforts such as adjusted work hours, remote shifts and workflow investments should be balanced with wellness surveys, social gatherings and groups dedicated to equity.
4) Practice leaders have a crucial role to play in reducing burnout, the group agreed. They must listen and be open to change while also regularly speaking with colleagues and cultivating a culture of trust.
“Encourage email-free vacations. Practicing medicine is demanding and time off is important and should be protected,” Hoven wrote. “Embrace empathy and mutual respect, and recognize that we are all often trying to do the best we can with what we have.”
5). For Richard B. Gunderman, MD, PhD, of Indiana University, burnout may be a moment for reflection and betterment.
“Burnout is a rotten experience, but it can also present opportunities to step back and reexamine our careers and lives, to rediscover what makes work and life meaningful and fulfilling, and to reach out and connect with others,” Gunderman noted Wednesday. “Burnout is deeply linked to our potential to burn brightly.”
Read the full perspective here.
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.