If you’re interested in healthcare—or considering it as a career—it’s important to know about a big challenge doctors face: burnout. Family physicians, who are often the main doctors people see for general health needs, are among those feeling it the most. More than half of family doctors report burnout symptoms, which can range from emotional exhaustion to feeling detached from their work. But recent research gives us a new understanding of why this happens—and points to solutions.
A study involving over 10,000 family doctors found that burnout isn’t just about long hours or a lack of skills. Two major factors contribute to it: spending too much time outside of work on electronic health records (EHR) and lacking strong nurse-physician teams. Many physicians report that they spend 20-30 extra hours per week completing EHR tasks at home. This workload often limits time for self-care, family, and rest, which leads to burnout. The study suggests that reducing this at-home screen time would significantly improve doctors’ well-being.
Another big finding is the importance of nurse-physician teams. When doctors have reliable support from nurses and medical staff, they can focus more on their patients without shouldering extra tasks. Yet, many clinics have replaced nurses with medical assistants (MAs), who often work in rotation instead of with a dedicated team. This makes it harder for physicians to have consistent support, increasing their stress levels.
So, what’s the takeaway for young people interested in health careers? One is that healthcare needs to improve support for its professionals. Team-based care that includes skilled nurses and reduced screen time could make healthcare careers healthier for those who choose them. Moreover, the role of new technology—like AI-driven tools that help with documentation—could help cut back on EHR time and support a better work-life balance for future healthcare providers.
If you’re thinking about a career in healthcare, understanding these challenges can help you advocate for change and seek environments that prioritize teamwork and wellness. Health systems that focus on these areas are not only better for doctors but also for the patients they serve.
