We have been dealing with the COVID pandemic since 2020.
And due to that, there is a lot of discussion about related physician burnout.
I had my own share of challenges with the pandemic, and for the most part I can relate to a majority of the people I interact with. I shared a similar anxiety of contracting the virus and bringing it to home to my family as did any other physician.
I felt at times that due to fear of contracting infection myself, I was rushing through the evaluations, and that made me feel guilty. I stopped enjoying my work, which I loved before the pandemic. The routine became monotonous and rushed. Although I did not experience burnout, I did feel pressure due to rapidly changing policies and guidelines.
I decided to quit my job and start my private practice. I am able to continue patient care via televisits and spend the amount of time I need with them without the fear of compromising my health or contracting any infection. I see several patients who are struggling with burnout, pandemic-related anxiety, and depression, which prompted me to write this article.
I see burnout as a constant struggle with a situation/system where the demands continue to grow.
