Reducing Professional Burnout by Reconnecting with Your True “Why”
I hung up the phone, still laughing, only to turn and see his parents staring at me in shock. Their faces silently asked a painful question: how could anyone laugh when their child was so critically ill? In that moment, I recognized the first signs of my professional burnout—depersonalization, exhaustion, and depression. That fateful phone call happened over 25 years ago, but it remains etched in my memory. That night I made a promise to myself that I would find a way to become a better physician and rediscover the joy of practicing medicine. Despite several failed attempts to reconnect with my work, it was ultimately uncovering my true purpose, my "Real Why," that rekindled my passion and made me a better physician.
Amidst the relentless demands and crises healthcare professionals face, it’s essential to pause and realign with our purpose. As Simon Sinek reminds us, understanding our "why" isn't just a path to professional success; it’s also crucial for personal fulfillment. For those in healthcare, though, reconnecting with our "True Why" can be especially challenging.
Today, physician and nursing burnout are some of the greatest threats to healthcare, with unprecedented turnover rates and suicide rates among physicians surpassing those of any other profession. Despite various wellness programs and mental health initiatives—like counseling, mindfulness, and yoga—burnout rates remain alarmingly high, affecting over 60% of physicians, with nurses often reporting even higher levels.
"The term 'burnout' has been around since 1974, when Dr. Herbert Freudenberger first identified it in healthcare workers. Despite decades of research and intervention, burnout continues to plague the industry. It may be time to question whether the term 'burnout' truly captures what healthcare professionals are experiencing."
Recent evidence now suggests that what many healthcare workers are experiencing may be more accurately described as "moral injury" rather than burnout. Moral injury arises when professionals are pressured to act in ways that conflict with their core values. The shift from patient-centered to task-driven care, driven by time constraints and administrative burdens, erodes the foundation of the patient-provider relationship, creating moral injury.
Rediscovering our "why" goes beyond saying we want to help people—that's "what" we do. Police officers, firefighters, and philanthropists help people, but what makes healthcare unique is the profound relationships we build with patients and their families. Our True Why is rooted in these trusting connections, the deep covenant between doctor and patient that honors each individual’s story and experience. It was finding my “Real Why” that made me enjoy medicine again and help my patients and families when they needed me the most.
Even amidst packed waiting rooms and administrative burdens, we must cherish and prioritize these authentic moments of connection. Revisiting our “why” can rejuvenate us, providing a renewed sense of purpose to navigate the complexities of healthcare.
Here are some ways to reduce burnout, wake up inspired, and feel fulfilled each day:
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Focus on the trusting relationships we build with every patient and their family.
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Recognize when you’ve shifted to task mode and intentionally refocus on the patient in front of you.
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Before entering a room, take a moment to clear your mind of other tasks. Fully engage with the patient.
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Use this as an anchor to stay connected to the purpose that drives you forward.
By grounding ourselves in these principles, we can nurture resilience and reclaim joy in our calling.