Doctor Burnout: Risks, Causes, and Consequences

Doctors have a very strenuous job – however, their job is also extremely important to the well-being of the people they treat. Many physicians report feeling stressed and burned out as a result of their profession, which can lead to dangerous medical errors. Have you suffered injuries due to doctor burnout?

Doctor Burnout Statistics

A national survey found that over half of American doctors experience burnout, making them more likely to cause medical errors. Out of the 6,700 clinic and hospital physicians surveyed:

• Over 10% of doctors stated that they committed at least one severe medical mistake in the three months before the survey
• 55% of doctors reported burnout
• 6.5% of doctors reported contemplating suicide
• Approximately one-third of doctors reported excessive fatigue
• Doctors experiencing burnout were twice as likely to make a mistake as those who do not experience burnout
• Prior studies tied medical errors to 100,000 to 200,000 patient deaths each year
• 4% of study participants described the safety record of their workplace as “poor” or “failing”

Causes of Doctor Burnout

Doctors often report burnout due to their excessive workloads and the high-stress environment of their jobs. Researchers from Stanford University outlined a series of causes that can contribute to doctor burnout:

• High-risk tasks that jeopardize other lives
• Lack of control over the job
• Lack of satisfaction in the job
• Regulatory burdens and regulations
• Reimbursement tightening

If you have a doctor experiencing serious burnout, you could find yourself at risk. The doctor could administer the wrong medication, make a mistake during surgery, or diagnose you with the wrong condition, among many other consequences.

Doctors can make many life-threatening mistakes while experiencing burnout. Have you suffered injuries due to negligent medical care? Contact Regan Zambri Long today to schedule a free consultation with one of our DC medical malpractice attorneys.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.