Physician Coaching: Financial Benefits and Personal Recovery Stories
It was a problem before the pandemic. “They” report is it better. For those of us on the front lines, physician burnout is not better. We are just tired of talking about it. Recent studies indicate that nearly 50% of physicians in the United States experience symptoms of burnout, leading to decreased job satisfaction, reduced productivity, and potentially compromised patient care.
My Experience with Burnout
I didn’t know I was burned out. Unfortunately, I didn’t even realize I wasn’t OK. Looking back, it was obvious. First, I wasn’t sleeping. Second, when I walked to work, I fantasized about disappearing. I thought, “If I keep walking, how long will it take for someone to notice that I didn’t show up to work?” Finally, I wasn’t very nice. I was snippy, cynical, and impatient. After an incredibly long day that ended with a public outburst, a trusted colleague pulled me aside and asked me how I was feeling. I shrugged off the offer for help.
A few days later, I arranged and attended a coping session to debrief a recent challenging patient case. I put together the session for our trainees. During the session, a facilitator said, “It is normal to feel challenged and stressed at times. If you aren’t sleeping, your personality has changed, and you can’t remember the last time you felt joy—that is not stress. You need help.” For whatever reason, that was my wake-up call. I was burned out and needed help.
The Physician’s Perspective on Physician Burnout Coaching
As an experienced pediatric cardiologist with 15 + years in clinical medicine, I had invested years of my life and substantial financial resources into my education. In the United States, the average medical school debt is $241,600, and this figure continues to rise. Protecting this investment should be a top priority for every physician. Burnout not only threatens career longevity but also leads to decreased job satisfaction and an increased risk of medical errors and malpractice claims.
My burnout threatened everything I had worked for. If I had left clinical medicine, all of my expertise and experience would have left with me, representing a significant loss not only for myself but also for my patients and the healthcare system as a whole. Physician coaching played a crucial role in helping me regain my footing. By providing tools and strategies to manage stress, improve work-life balance, and rediscover my passion for medicine, coaching mitigates risks associated with burnout. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that physicians who participated in a coaching program experienced significant improvements in resilience, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Moreover, satisfied physicians are less likely to face malpractice claims and more likely to have patients who are satisfied with their care.
The Physician Employer’s Perspective
Physician burnout affects not only individual doctors but also has far-reaching consequences for healthcare organizations. The cost of physician turnover can be staggering, with estimates ranging from $500,000 to $1 million per physician. These costs include recruitment, onboarding, and lost productivity. Additionally, having unhappy physicians on staff can lead to decreased morale and a negative work environment, further exacerbating turnover rates.
In my case, the decision to seek coaching was pivotal. It not only saved my career but also protected my employer from the high costs associated with physician turnover. Investing in physician coaching can help healthcare organizations mitigate these costs and improve physician retention. A study conducted by the American Medical Association found that physicians who participated in a coaching program were more likely to remain with their current employer and report higher levels of job satisfaction. Moreover, physician coaching helps develop nonclinical skills essential for leadership roles, such as communication, problem-solving, and team management, fostering a more productive and harmonious workplace.
The Patient’s Perspective
Ultimately, the goal of any healthcare system is to provide high-quality care to patients. However, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population has strained our healthcare resources. We need experienced, satisfied physicians to meet this growing demand and ensure that patients receive the care they need.
Burnout comproised my ability to care for patients. A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that physicians who reported symptoms of burnout were more likely to make medical errors and provide suboptimal care. In contrast, physicians who are satisfied with their careers and maintain a healthy work-life balance are more likely to provide high-quality care and have patients who are satisfied with their healthcare experience. By investing in physician coaching, healthcare organizations ensure that their physicians remain engaged and capable of delivering the best possible care to their patients.
Conclusion
The financial argument for physician coaching is clear and compelling.
By investing in the well-being and professional development of physicians, healthcare organizations can protect the substantial educational investment of their medical staff, improve job satisfaction, and reduce the risk of burnout and turnover. This investment not only benefits the physicians themselves but also enhances the overall efficiency and quality of the healthcare system.
My personal journey through burnout and recovery highlights the transformative power of physician coaching. It provided me with the necessary tools and support to manage my stress. I rediscovered my purpose, and became a better physician for my patients. As healthcare organizations grapple with the ongoing challenges of physician burnout, investing in coaching programs should be a top priority. By doing so, they can reduce recruitment costs, develop strong physician leaders, and ensure that patients receive care from experienced, satisfied physicians.
At The Developing Doctor, we are committed to helping physicians thrive in their careers and personal lives. Through personalized coaching programs, we provide physicians with the tools and support they need to navigate the challenges of modern medicine. If you’re a physician, a healthcare organization, or someone who cares about the future of healthcare, I invite you to explore the benefits of physician coaching. Together, we can create a healthier, more sustainable healthcare system for all.
