The public health crisis of burnout among health care workers is more severe than many realize. With 49% of physicians experiencing burnout, patients face a 1 in 2 chance of being treated by an exhausted, unmotivated, and underperforming doctor. This issue affects all areas of health care, from emergency and urgent care visits to surgeries, deliveries, and cancer screenings. A patient’s well-being hinges on health care professional’s ability to perform their duties accurately. Imagine the consequences of a radiologist missing a tumor, a surgeon removing the wrong leg, or a doctor failing to identify a stroke or heart attack in time. The situation worsens when nurses and other health care professionals face similar challenges of burnout and overwhelm.

The gravity of burnout in health care

Burnout among health care professionals is not just a personal issue but a systemic problem with widespread implications. According to the Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2024, 49% of physicians report experiencing burnout, with 20% also feeling depressed. This is a slight improvement from the 53% burnout rate reported in 2023 but still significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. The report highlights that burnout rates are highest among emergency medicine (63%), obstetrics/gynecology (53%), and oncology (53%) specialists.

The primary contributors to burnout include bureaucratic tasks such as charting and paperwork (62%), excessive working hours (41%), and lack of respect from administrators and colleagues (40%). These challenges are compounded by inadequate compensation and support, leading to an overworked and undervalued workforce.

Dr. Lorna Breen’s story

A poignant example of this crisis is the tragic story of Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency room physician at New York Presbyterian Hospital. Despite her passion for medicine and helping others, the overwhelming pressures of her job during the COVID-19 pandemic led her to die by suicide on April 26, 2020. Dr. Breen’s story underscores the severe toll that burnout can take on even the most dedicated health care professionals. The relentless pressure, exhaustion, fear, and concern for her job security if she sought help contributed to her tragic fate. 

The broader implications

Lorna’s story is not an isolated incident. In the United States, approximately 400 physicians die by suicide each year, with female physicians facing a higher suicide rate than their male counterparts. The specialty of emergency medicine, where Lorna worked, has one of the highest suicide rates among medical specialties. These statistics underscore the urgent need for systemic change to support the mental health and well-being of health care workers.

Barriers to seeking mental health care

Health care professionals often face significant barriers to seeking mental health care. Fear of retaliation, mandatory disclosure of mental health conditions when renewing or applying for medical licenses or jobs, and the stigma associated with mental health issues all contribute to their reluctance to seek help. Nearly half of physicians battling depression fear their employer or medical boards will learn about their condition, and 44% worry others will doubt their skills as physicians.

Burnout and stress have also led to increased rates of alcohol and substance use among health care professionals. The Medscape Physician Burnout & Depression Report 2022 highlights that 23% of physicians reported using alcohol to cope with burnout, while 9% admitted to using prescription drugs for the same reason. These unhealthy coping mechanisms further exacerbate the mental health crisis within the health care profession.

A path forward: the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act

In response to the growing crisis, the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act was enacted in 2022. This landmark legislation aims to support the mental health and well-being of health care workers. Since its passage, the act has funded $103 million across 45 organizations to implement evidence-based strategies to reduce and prevent suicide, burnout, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders. It has also established the Impact Wellbeing™ campaign, providing hospital leaders with evidence-informed solutions to reduce burnout, sustain well-being, and build a system where health care workers can thrive. 

However, while these initiatives are a step in the right direction, they represent only a fraction of what is needed. Less than 1% of the 6,120 hospitals in the United States have received grants from the Lorna Breen Act, and the act does not address the 200,000+ other types of health care settings. The reauthorization of the Lorna Breen Act must focus on expanding its reach to more hospitals and reducing the administrative burden for health care workers everywhere.

The road ahead

The burnout crisis in health care is a multifaceted issue that requires comprehensive solutions. While changing the health care system may seem daunting, continued efforts to create a positive impact are essential. The story of Dr. Lorna Breen and the subsequent legislative efforts highlight the problem’s severity and the potential for meaningful change.

Addressing burnout among health care professionals is not just about improving their well-being; it is about ensuring the safety and quality of patient care. By supporting health care workers’ mental health, we can create a more resilient health care system capable of providing the high-quality care that patients deserve. The work of the Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation and similar initiatives are vital steps toward this goal, but much more needs to be done to protect and support those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.

Call to Action

I urge you to support the renewal and expansion of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. Your involvement can make a difference in ensuring that our health care professionals receive the support they need. Sign the petition today and advocate for systemic changes that prioritize the mental health and well-being of those who care for us all. 

Miriam Zylberglait Lisigurski is an internal medicine physician.