Stress and burnout among gynecologic oncologists: SGO Evidence-based Review/Recommendations

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Highlights

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There is a high prevalence of burnout among gynecologic oncologists.

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Physician burnout is associated with significant personal distress.

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There are practical solutions to reduce physician burnout and promote wellness.

1. Introduction
Wellness is “a conscious, self-directed and evolving process of
achieving full potential” as defined by The National Wellness Institute
[1]. While this sounds like an aspiration for every gynecologic oncologist,
achieving it requires dedication, effort, and time, resources that
many physicians deplete at work. A career in gynecologic oncology
can be extremely rewarding, but, it is universally strenuous and
demanding. Caring for women with gynecologic cancers (and complex
gynecologic problems) requires a significant and continuous commitment
from providers which often becomes an all-encompassing mission.
Unfortunately, this level of dedication can lead to burnout [2].
Burnout is a mental state defined by any of the following three
elements: lack of enthusiasm for work, skepticism and distrust, and a
low sense of personal accomplishment. Objectively, burnout can be
measured by theMaslach Burnout Inventory,which assesses: emotional
exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishment. The
syndrome of burnout is present if at least one of the elements is significantly
abnormal [3]. In addition to burnout, physicians may also