What factors are contributing to physician burnout?

A new survey from Medscape took a closer look at the fourth element of the Quadruple Aim: provider well-being. Approximately 15,000 physicians from 29 specialties took part in the survey.
Among respondents, 42 percent said they were burned out. Twelve percent reported colloquial depression (or what Medscape described as “feeling down” depression). And 3 percent said they were clinically depressed.
Female doctors seemed slightly more likely to experience burnout. Forty-eight percent of women physicians reported it compared to 38 percent of male physicians. Digging a little deeper, Medscape found a few specialties were more likely to experience feelings of burnout, including critical care, neurology, and family medicine. OB/GYNs and internists also topped the list.
Pathologists, dermatologists and plastic surgeons were least likely to experience burnout. Perhaps this isn’t altogether surprising, as these specialties aren’t as likely to work in emergency situations. Medscape also asked respondents about the factors contributing to their feelings of burnout. They could select more than one option.