Measuring physician mental health
Facts at your Fingertips
By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, May 1, 2024
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and its message continues to be of growing importance among the medical community. In 2022, over half (53%) of physicians reported burnout according to Medscape’s 2023 Burnout & Depression Report — a sharp jump from 42% in 2018. While survey responses took into account over 9,000 physicians from across 29 specialties, at least one-third of respondents in every specialty surveyed reported feeling burned out, indicating a larger workforce issue.
Survey data also indicated that burnout consistently affects a greater percentage of female physicians than male physicians — 63% to 46%, respectively. Top factors contributing to burnout included too many administrative tasks, lack of respect from coworkers, and too many work hours.
Read more about how the conversation surrounding physician mental health has changed, and access Academy resources to help you alleviate administrative burdens and foster physician wellness.
For a more detailed look at self-reported burnout rate according to specialty, see the graphic below.
