Burnout and Wellness in the College of Medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University

Original Research

Abstract

Burnout is a syndrome of professional distress defined by symptoms of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment. Previous surveys (Wellness Surveys) at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) seemed to have demonstrated low scores in the wellness categories. As such, we sought to investigate further the frequency and factors of medical student burnout symptoms, the quality of medical student wellness, and contributing stressors at NEOMED. Over three weeks, an anonymous 8-question survey was sent out via e-mail to all NEOMED College of Medicine students. This survey included a novel scale created by the authors to measure burnout, wellness, and contributing stressors. The survey was done on Qualtrics SM Survey software and was statistically analyzed by class using Microsoft Excel. The survey was completed by 166 students (participation = 28%). Results demonstrated statistically significant differences in burnout and multiple components of wellness when stratified by class. Burnout and suboptimal wellness were most severe in preclinical (M1-M2) years. Groups rating higher frequencies of burnout also rated lower qualities of wellness. Nearly 50% of all respondents feel the challenge of medical school was more difficult than expected. At NEOMED, peak burnout frequencies and suboptimal wellness ratings are in the preclinical years. Groups that scored higher frequencies of burnout also scored poorer on wellness ratings. A systematic approach dedicated to promoting wellness at NEOMED may lead to lower frequencies of burnout.