CMA highlights physician health as a growing concern, pointing to high levels of burnout

This survey is the first in a series of reports on the state of physician health. Overall, it found nearly 60% of respondents reported good overall mental health. The survey highlights areas of concerns that include burnout, depression and suicidal ideation, with rates being higher among residents than physicians and among women than men. Among the key findings:

• High levels of resilience and as well as burnout: While 82% of physicians and residents reported high resilience, more than one in four reported high levels of burnout;
• Medical residents more likely to report burnout and depression: Residents were 48% more likely to report burnout and 95% more likely to screen positive for depression than all other physician groups;
• Gender differences: Like residents, women physicians were more likely to report burnout and screen positive for depression. But they also reported higher emotional well-being and higher psychological well-being than their male counterparts; and
• Physicians reluctant to seek help: Only 15% reported accessing health services in the last five years. Among the most cited reasons for not accessing these services were believing the situation was not severe enough and being ashamed to seek help.

The CMA says poor physician health affects physicians individually and it can have an impact on patient care.
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