A Gender-Based Analysis of Predictors and Sequelae of Burnout Amongst Practicing American Vascular Surgeons

ABSTRACT Objective Surgeons report higher burnout and suicidal ideation (SI) rates than the general population. This study sought to identify the prevalence and gender-specific risk factors for burnout and SI among men and women vascular surgeons to guide future interventions. Methods In 2018, active Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) members were surveyed confidentially using the Maslach Burnout Index embedded in a questionnaire that captured demographic and practice-related characteristics. Results were stratified by gender. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were developed to identify predictors for the end points of burnout and SI. Results Overall survey response rate was 34.3% (N=878) of practicing vascular surgeons. A higher percentage of women responded (19%) than compose SVS membership (13.7%). Women respondents were significantly younger, with fewer years in practice, and were less likely to be in private practice than the men who responded. Women were also less likely to be married/partnered, or to have children. The prevalence of burnout was similar for women and men (42.3% and 40.9% [NS]); however, the prevalence of SI was significantly higher in women (12.9% vs 6.6%; P Conclusion The prevalence of burnout among vascular surgeons is high. Women vascular surgeons have double the rates of SI compared to male vascular surgeons. Taken together, this study demonstrated that many of the same factors are associated with burnout in women and men, which include not enough family time, conflict between work and personal life, and work-related pain. Additional factors in men included conflict between work and family, work-related pain, and EMR dissatisfaction.