Foundations · Year 1 · from Foundations
Case 1: Physician Burnout Syndrome
Clinical Image
Source: Wikipedia - Occupational burnout - CC BY-SA 4.0
Case Presentation
A 32-year-old male internal medicine resident presents to the employee health clinic with complaints of persistent fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and decreased enthusiasm for patient care over the past 6 months. He reports working 70-80 hours per week and has been skipping meals regularly. He describes feeling emotionally detached from patients and questions whether medicine was the right career choice. Physical examination reveals mild tachycardia and elevated blood pressure. PHQ-9 screening shows moderate depressive symptoms. He is diagnosed with occupational burnout syndrome with depressive features. Management includes referral to a mental health professional, adjustment of work schedule through program leadership, implementation of wellness strategies including protected sleep time, regular exercise, and social connection. He is counseled on the importance of self-care as a professional competency and connected with peer support resources.
Key Learning Points
- Physician burnout affects up to 50% of medical trainees and is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced sense of accomplishment
- Wellness is a professional competency, not a personal indulgence - sustainable practice requires attention to physical and mental health
- Evidence-based strategies for preventing burnout include adequate sleep, regular exercise, maintaining social connections, and seeking help early when struggling