Ob-Gyn Burnout: Why So Many Doctors Are Questioning Their Calling

According to recent research, rates for burnout among obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) range somewhere between 40 and 75 percent, placing them in the top range of all medical specialties. But why are Ob-Gyns feeling unsatisfied and overstressed? We explore the leading causes of physician burnout and provide practical strategies to improve job satisfaction at every stage of your Ob-Gyn career.

What Is Physician Burnout?

Ob-Gyns and other physicians may love medicine and caring for patients, but they often feel weighed down and overtaxed by a healthcare system that isn’t functioning optimally to support their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The American Medical Association (AMA) describes employee burnout as a “long-term stress reaction,” which is primarily caused by “organizational and systemic factors.”

Leading Causes of Ob-Gyn Burnout

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) describes the problem of physician burnout this way: “The pace of life and its stresses, impact from multitasking, overwhelming information exposure, and electronic medical record expectations have led to some degree of physical or emotional exhaustion or lack of motivation.”

Here are some of the factors contributing to Ob-Gyn doctor burnout:

Staffing Shortages

A growing population is creating a shortage of Ob-Gyns, especially in rural communities. Experts estimate that by 2050 in the United States, there will be 22,000 fewer Ob-Gyn doctors than will be needed, based on the projected population growth. That gap puts a burden on the physicians we do have to work harder and longer to meet patient demands.

When patient loads exceed what is ideal for patient care, a domino effect occurs. If insurance companies are giving smaller reimbursements, then doctors opt to pack in more patients to fill the gap in lost income, which results in establishing what can feel like an assembly line of patients to doctors, day in, day out.

Delicate Decisions

Ob-Gyn doctors are tasked with helping patients make difficult health and reproductive decisions. From fertility issues and birth control, to birth plans and female health conditions, the medical issues that occur in this specialty can often be highly emotional and even life-changing for patients. That can be incredibly stressful for providers when guiding patients through their options.

Medical Malpractice

The risk of medical malpractice is another common stressor among all types of physicians, and especially in obstetrics and gynecology. There is so much stress on the shoulders of the physician to deliver a perfect baby and, very sadly, it just isn’t always the case. Doctors are always thinking about it, even if subconsciously, and their decisions can be influenced by the threat of being sued.

Political Controversy

Ob-Gyns are involved in some medical decisions many find controversial, including those surrounding birth control and abortion. Part of a physician’s job is to ensure patients have access to the information and resources they need to make informed medical decisions. But that often lands Ob-Gyns at the heart of religious and political debates that can impact how they practice.

Signs of Ob-Gyn Burnout

Are you experiencing physician burnout? Here are some of the common signs of burnout among Ob-Gyns and other medical professionals:

• Cynicism
• Depersonalization (reduced empathy for patients)
• Depression
• Emotional exhaustion
• Feelings of underappreciation
• Perceptions of decreased personal achievement
• Physical illness
• Unexplained fatigue

How to Cope With Physician Burnout

It is so important to recognize the signs of burnout and address them before you make a major career decision you may regret. Providers who experience burnout are more likely to question their job choices and even leave the profession altogether.

While much of the burden of reducing burnout lies with employers and the larger healthcare system in the U.S., there are changes you can make to improve your experience. If the signs of provider burnout are all too familiar, try these practical strategies to increase your job satisfaction:

• Identify the problem and address it to improve your mental and physical health. It can be any of the complex issues mentioned above. But it can also be a toxic manager or employer that has impacted how you feel and do your job. In the latter case, you might consider talking to HR, or even putting your CV back into circulation.
• Set boundaries to prevent work from encroaching on your personal life. There should be periods of time when you don’t check work emails or messages—unless you’re on call of course. Resist the urge to be available around the clock and have faith your patients are well cared for even if you can’t be reached.
• Find ways to manage your stress on and off the job. Medicine is a high-stakes profession. Your work directly impacts human lives. Offset that pressure by de-stressing with activities that help you feel renewed and refreshed. Whether it’s exercise, socializing, playing an instrument, or just reading a good book, feed your soul with positive outlets.
• Join a support group with healthcare providers like you who understand the unique challenges that come with the profession. Sometimes, just knowing you aren’t alone can make a real difference in how you approach your work.

We hope these tips for doctor burnout will inspire you to prioritize self-care and work–life balance. You can reignite that passion you felt for healthcare as a student in medical school. For more information on the healthcare industry and job opportunities in your area, check out Health eCareers’ career resources.

Author Bio

Stacey Kelleher is a health and wellness writer and editor based just outside of Philadelphia. Her work has been featured online at Good Housekeeping and Cosmopolitan. In her downtime, she enjoys yoga, running, and spending time with her family.