Burnout Threatens Primary Care Workforce
Health systems across the country are trying to boost morale and keep clinicians from quitting or retiring early, but the stakes are higher than workforce shortages.
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Health systems across the country are trying to boost morale and keep clinicians from quitting or retiring early, but the stakes are higher than workforce shortages.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — Melanie Gray Miller, a 30-year-old physician, wiped away tears as she described the isolation she felt after losing a beloved patient.
Burnout among doctors is a long-standing concern that health systems have become more focused on as they try to stop doctors from quitting or retiring early.
Burnout is a widespread problem in the health care industry. Although the pandemic made things worse, burnout among doctors is a long-standing concern that health systems have become more focused on as they try to stop doctors from quitting or retiring early.
Addressing social drivers of health is critical but complicated, according to experts. Gary Price, MD, president of The Physicians Foundation, told Healio that it is “essential for all physicians to understand and address drivers of health (DOH) to ensure the best health outcomes for their patients.” However, primary care physicians have an especially important role, “as