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In your experience, what are the most effective strategies to prevent professional burnout?
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Burnout should be dealt with as a system issue
Burnout in our profession can indeed be an issue because of the high-stress combination of high volume of patients and high level of responsibility. We easily fall in the trap of putting others first and neglecting our own needs, which typically leads to burnout. On a personal level, we should become aware that we have to take care of ourselves to be able to take care of others, but in the complex system of our workplaces, burnout is more than a personal problem and should be dealt with as a system issue.
I had the opportunity to work in various institutions through my training, and now I work in my own private practice. I found that acknowledging that burnout exists and knowing how to resolve it are part of a good practice culture. It is important to be open and create an environment where burnout is recognized as a health issue without any stigma attached to it, where it is OK to discuss it and work together at finding solutions. As John Maxwell said, everything rises and falls on leadership. Those who are in management or supervising positions should learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of burnout and be aware of what can be done to prevent or respond to it. They should work with the human resources department to make sure that burnout is included in the manual of the organization, with information that allows employees to recognize the early signs, gives answers to their questions and provides strategies on how to deal with it.
At an organizational level, there is a lot that can be done. Good leadership that maximizes human resources, never underestimates the value that others can provide, empowers people, fosters communication and teamwork, and motivates employees by increasing the level of participation in decision-making is pivotal in creating a good practice culture and promoting emotional health and preventing burnout.
Savak “Sev” Teymoorian, MD, MBA, is an OSN Glaucoma Board Member. Disclosure: Teymoorian reports no relevant financial disclosures.
Nourish your soul and create a cycle of happiness
Over the years, I learned that there are three things to focus on in order to prevent burnout. The first is to find what gives you joy and nourishes your soul. The second is to take time to appreciate the good that is around you, give thanks and pay it forward. The third, and probably the most difficult, is to learn to recognize and set healthy boundaries.
As physicians, it is easy for us to feel compassion and care for someone in need, but often we do not do the same for ourselves. We all have things that can bring joy to our lives and nourish our soul. For me, my faith is most important. Taking time to meditate in prayer and making that part of my daily routine helps remind me of what really counts and keeps me grounded. I also work out regularly. Going to the gym, taking a walk or lifting weights at home, even for just 10 minutes a day, is part of self-care and is important for preventing and managing burnout. Cooking, gardening, biking, reading, volunteering — whatever provides you joy should be part of your routine, even for a short time every day.
Taking time to appreciate what is good in your life, feeling grateful and paying it forward are simple ways of nurturing your sense of well-being and creating a virtuous cycle of happiness. As ophthalmologists, we are blessed to be in the profession we are in, helping make a significant impact in our patients’ lives every day. Taking a moment to show kindness to others, even with a smile or a simple compliment, is a great way to show gratitude and have it come back to you, and it gives you that nourishment and connection that you need to move forward.
I like to quote Frederick Koenig on this: “Happiness doesn’t come as a result of having something we don’t have, but rather recognizing and appreciating what we do have.”
Learning to recognize healthy boundaries is difficult but critically important. Sometimes it comes down to scheduling time to recharge and do things you enjoy, much like we schedule all the other things in our lives. Finding time for self-care and reflection allows you the opportunity to process thoughts and emotions and be present in the moment.
I would like to conclude with a quote by the artist known as Banksy: “If you get tired, learn to rest, not to quit.” By allowing yourself to take care of your needs along the way, you will be able to continue your journey with positive energy and motivation.
Lisa M. Nijm, MD, JD, is the founder and medical director of Warrenville EyeCare & LASIK in Warrenville, Illinois. Disclosure: Nijm reports no relevant financial disclosures.