Burnout is generally seen in caring doctors who are overloaded and have insufficient time to properly care for themselves. It has 3 domains – physical and mental exhaustion, cynicism or depersonalization, and a low sense of professional accomplishment or achievement. Symptoms might be irritability, disengagement, loss of concern for patients and the ‘imposter syndrome’. The impact can be significant eg medical errors, cynicism, decreased work effort.

What you can do

1. 1. Organisational strategies addressing long hours, inadequate staff or overwhelming bureaucracy
2. 2. Improving networks of friends and family who can support and encourage laughter and relaxation
3. 3. Taking time for non-work activities
4. 4. Psychological help and/or mindfulness, self-help websites etc. 

Further Reading

Sharing Knowledge to Combat Clinician Burnout