Promoting Occupational Wellness and Combating Professional Burnout in the Surgical Workforce

Physician wellness has become a major topic of concern for healthcare centers as they are forced to acknowledge and respond to increasing burnout and distress (including depression, a sense of being overwhelmed, depersonalization, and stress-related health issues) among their workforce. This chapter reviews the data on physician burnout and distress, particularly in the surgical profession, and adds relevant new data regarding the role of current medical education and cultural norms in contributing to this problem. The chapter also addresses the research behind wellness and offers important and relevant strategies to improve life experience as a healthcare provider.