Burnout in Academic Radiologists in the United States

Rationale and Objectives To assess the prevalence and associated factors of burnout among U.S. academic radiologists. Materials and Methods An online survey was sent to the radiologists who were full members of the Association of University Radiologists in December 2018. Burnout was measured using the abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey. Survey respondents were also requested to complete questions on demographics, potential professional stressors, sense of calling, and career satisfaction. Associations between survey participants’ characteristics and burnout were tested using logistic regression model. Results The survey response rate was 27% (228/831). Twenty-nine percent met all three criteria for high burnout, including high emotional exhaustion, high depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. Seventy-nine percent had one or more symptoms of burnout. Numerous factors including work overload, inability to balance personal and professional life, lack of autonomy, lack of appreciation from patients and other medical staff were significantly associated (p Radiologists with high burnout were more likely to be dissatisfied with their career (OR, 2.28; 95%CI 1.70–3.07; p Conclusion Multiple factors contribute to high burnout in academic radiologists. Familiarity with these factors may help academic radiology departments to develop strategies to promote health and wellness of their faculty