Nearly one-third of academic physicians surveyed, including many rheumatologists, were considering leaving their institutions within two years of the survey, often because of a lack of professional fulfillment or from professional burnout, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open in fall 2023.1,2 That amount of physician turnover contributes to an interruption of patient…
Ethics Forum: Thoughts on Managing Electronic Communication with Patients
Recent proposals in the U.S. to bill for electronic communication with our patients could be seen as a refreshing but contested attempt to battle burnout rates in the present era. A fee for electronic communications between patients and clinicians also acknowledges the value of the clinician’s time and expertise. But is this ethical? Discussion Burnout…
Study: Don’t Automatically Blame Burnout on Electronic Health Records
When it comes to experiencing burnout, time spent in an electronic health records (EHR) system appears to be only a minor contributing factor. Although clinicians and other healthcare professionals may log many hours at the keyboard putting information into the EHR, other factors likely play a bigger role in the workplace exhaustion and feelings of…
Medscape Survey Suggests 50% of Rheumatologists Experience Burnout
A new Medscape survey found that rheumatology has the second-highest burnout level among the 29 specialties included, with 50% of the rheumatology respondents saying they’re experiencing “burnout.” To which some rheumatologists are responding: Really? “I was quite surprised by this,” says Beth Jonas, MD, chief of the Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology Division at the University…
Has the Time Come for Wellness Promotion in Rheumatology?
Despite revolutionary advances in pharmacologic treatments for many rheumatic conditions in recent years, some patients still fail to reach a desired state of living with their disease, notes R. Swamy Venuturupalli, MD, FACR, a clinician and researcher in rheumatology, as well as the founder and director of Attune Health, a Beverly Hills, Calif.-based company that…
People with Rheumatic Diseases Should Pay Extra Attention to Self-Care During COVID-19
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—People with rheumatic diseases should continue their medicines, monitor their health and avoid stress when possible during the current coronavirus pandemic, according to a group of rheumatologists in South Korea.1 Because rheumatic diseases are linked with chronic inflammation and abnormal immune functions, patients may be at a greater risk for COVID-19 infection,…
Taking Time for Self-Care Helps Alleviate Stress, Burnout in Physicians
Afton Hassett, PsyD, offers self-care tips and resources to handle stress, avoid burnout and stay healthy while caring for others.
Check Out the Wellness Pavilion at the 2019 ACR/ARP Annual Meeting
With massage chairs, creative spaces and therapy dogs, the Wellness Pavilion will offer this year’s Annual Meeting attendees respite from the busy conference atmosphere…
Professional Coaching Improves Physician Wellbeing
Many physicians struggle with work–life balance, and burnout is a growing professional concern. New research suggests professional coaching may effectively reduce emotional exhaustion in physicians and improve their quality of life…
2014 ACR/ARHP Annual Meeting: Wellness Ultimate Goal in Rheumatology Patient Care
Physician Leroy Hood, MD, PhD, shares his vision of genomics-driven, proactive, wellness-focused medicine in keynote address