Once again, radiologists have ranked among the top 10 specialists suffering from the highest rates of burnout, according to Medscape’s latest survey data.
Tied with pulmonary medicine, radiology ranks seventh for burnout rates among 29 physician specialties. According to the report, 54% of radiologists surveyed acknowledged feeling the repercussions of burnout in 2022. This rank is down slightly from its position in the sixth slot in 2021; however, the rate of burnout among radiologists is up five percentage points from 49%.
Radiologists are no strangers to being among the most burned-out physicians; the specialists have consistently appeared within the top 10 for several years running. Within radiology, other surveys have indicated that neuroradiologists and radiology residents are more susceptible to feeling burned out. These feelings have prompted some to contemplate leaving the field entirely, according to some studies.
According to the "Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2023: 'I Cry and No One Cares,'" the increase in burnout rates was evident across the board, increasing from 47% in 2021 to 53% in 2022.
The report details responses from more than 9,100 specialists collected between June and October of 2022. The survey defined burnout as "long-term, unresolved, job-related stress leading to exhaustion, cynicism, detachment from job responsibilities, and lacking a sense of personal accomplishment."
Emergency physicians, internists and pediatricians recorded the highest rates of burnout, ranging from 57% to 65%, and female physicians were more likely to experience burnout in comparison to their male counterparts.
Concerningly, nearly 80% of physicians described their burnout as “moderate to severe,” and one in five respondents reported self-medicating with alcohol to cope with their depressive symptoms.
The top two most cited reasons for burnout were the volume of bureaucratic demands (61%) and a lack of respect from coworkers (38%). Those were followed by personality traits (33%) and stress related to COVID (8).
Responses indicated that increased compensation, more manageable workloads and support/respect from supervisors and colleagues as key to addressing the issue of burnout and its accompanying symptoms.
To view the full report, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.