One-Year Grant Milestone: Advancing Physician Burnout Research

Physician burnout has emerged as a pressing issue in the medical community, with nearly three-quarters of healthcare providers affected. In response to this crisis, Dr.Bill, a leading healthcare organization, has invested $150,000 in the Ontario Medical Foundation (OMF) to support research initiatives focused on combating physician burnout. After one year, these projects have shown promising results, marking a significant milestone in the fight against this critical issue.

Dr. Noah Ivers' peer coaching model has already trained 39 physicians as peer guides, benefiting 32 family physicians through personalized coaching. Early results demonstrate improved mental health, increased workplace satisfaction, and valuable mentorship experiences for both peer guides and learners. The second cohort of the project will be entirely virtual, supporting more family physicians and featuring 22 newly trained peer guides.

Dr. Julie Maggi and Dr. Elli Waisbaum's Applied Mindfulness Program for Medical Personnel (AMP-MP) is tailored to help physicians manage stress and burnout more effectively. This specialized mindfulness training program focuses on understanding the additional challenges faced by physicians in leadership roles who work with marginalized communities. The next phase of their project involves completing the program for medical personnel by December 2024, followed by data analysis and reporting in early 2025.

Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam and Dr. Treena Wilkie are developing a comprehensive framework to evaluate physician wellness programs across Ontario. This framework aims to ensure the long-term effectiveness of burnout reduction strategies and promote physician well-being. The team has identified more than 100 relevant articles in their literature review and has conducted surveys with more than 120 physicians at CAMH to assess the Physician Engagement, Wellness, and Excellence Strategy.

These research projects have not only provided practical strategies to combat burnout but have also raised awareness about the issue within the medical community. By targeting marginalized communities and fostering inclusivity, these initiatives aim to create a more resilient medical community that caters to the diverse needs of physicians and patients alike.

As the fight against physician burnout continues, these research projects serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and investment in addressing critical issues in the medical community. With ongoing support and commitment, the progress made in these research projects can be sustained and scaled to address physician burnout more widely, ultimately benefiting both healthcare providers and patients.