Unusual Advice to Prevent Burnout in Early Medical career

MedEdPublish (2016). 2020 Feb 13:9:30. doi: 10.15694/mep.2020.000030.1. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Burnout is known to be a chronic response to prolonged occupational stressors. Learners, faculty, and other health care professionals experience burnout since they often lack the emotional, physical, and mental means to overcome the demands of professional work, their careers and life in general. Furthermore, higher demand for patient care revenue, teaching, scholarship and research has increased the prevalence of psychological strain and burnout among physicians. Every health care professional need guidance when starting a new job and career after the training period. A medical student's goals differ from those of a post graduate trainee (resident or fellow) and a resident's current goals will differ from those of his or her first "real" job. This article will explore simple advice to young doctors who are embarking on their first job post residency training. It will explain the importance of valuable mentorship, how to become a regional expert and how to juggle responsibilities in the workplace and home. It highlights the importance of writing and journaling reflections and preparing for unexpected twists during a medical career and why all physicians should strive to make time for themselves and their hobbies. Inculcating these simple habits and attitudes can make the physician's job more rewarding and meaningful. Physicians following these tips and guidelines may find more fulfilment and meaning in their professional and personal lives leading to lesser burnout on the job.

Keywords: Career Advice; Mentoring; Well-being.