Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast

Abstract Physician burnout, a growing crisis in the healthcare system of the United States of America (USA), is characterized by long-term job-related stress that manifests as energy depletion, feelings of increased mental distance from or cynicism toward one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy...

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Main Authors: Mary Rensel, Amy B. Sullivan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Adis, Springer Healthcare 2025-04-01
Series:Neurology and Therapy
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-025-00738-6
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author Mary Rensel
Amy B. Sullivan
author_facet Mary Rensel
Amy B. Sullivan
author_sort Mary Rensel
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Physician burnout, a growing crisis in the healthcare system of the United States of America (USA), is characterized by long-term job-related stress that manifests as energy depletion, feelings of increased mental distance from or cynicism toward one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. Notably, neurologists rank among those with the highest rates of burnout and the lowest levels of satisfaction with work–life balance. However, data on burnout among physicians treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) remain limited. In this podcast, we discuss the findings of a USA-based quantitative survey involving 136 physicians who treat patients with MS (defined as having prescribed ≥ 3 MS disease-modifying therapies over a 12-month period). The survey investigated the prevalence of burnout within this population and its associated risk factors. It included 20 questions, including the Mini Z inventory v3.0, demographic data, professional information, and details about work environment and job support. The results revealed a significant prevalence (approximately 50%) of burnout and job-related stress. Key contributors to job stress included the burden of maintaining electronic medical records and long working hours. Despite high levels of work satisfaction reported by participants, it is concerning that nearly 50% of these physicians had considered switching their field due to burnout or related issues. We also explore the impact of burnout on patient care and management, offering recommendations to address these challenges.
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spelling doaj-art-026e65967149408bb03545da0a87cc482025-08-20T03:08:28ZengAdis, Springer HealthcareNeurology and Therapy2193-82532193-65362025-04-0114373374110.1007/s40120-025-00738-6Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A PodcastMary Rensel0Amy B. Sullivan1Department of Neurology, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland ClinicNeurological Institute Office of Engagement and Wellbeing, Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research, Cleveland ClinicAbstract Physician burnout, a growing crisis in the healthcare system of the United States of America (USA), is characterized by long-term job-related stress that manifests as energy depletion, feelings of increased mental distance from or cynicism toward one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. Notably, neurologists rank among those with the highest rates of burnout and the lowest levels of satisfaction with work–life balance. However, data on burnout among physicians treating patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) remain limited. In this podcast, we discuss the findings of a USA-based quantitative survey involving 136 physicians who treat patients with MS (defined as having prescribed ≥ 3 MS disease-modifying therapies over a 12-month period). The survey investigated the prevalence of burnout within this population and its associated risk factors. It included 20 questions, including the Mini Z inventory v3.0, demographic data, professional information, and details about work environment and job support. The results revealed a significant prevalence (approximately 50%) of burnout and job-related stress. Key contributors to job stress included the burden of maintaining electronic medical records and long working hours. Despite high levels of work satisfaction reported by participants, it is concerning that nearly 50% of these physicians had considered switching their field due to burnout or related issues. We also explore the impact of burnout on patient care and management, offering recommendations to address these challenges.https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-025-00738-6BurnoutPatient carePhysiciansMultiple sclerosisNeurology
spellingShingle Mary Rensel
Amy B. Sullivan
Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast
Neurology and Therapy
Burnout
Patient care
Physicians
Multiple sclerosis
Neurology
title Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast
title_full Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast
title_fullStr Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast
title_full_unstemmed Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast
title_short Burnout Among Physicians Treating Patients with Multiple Sclerosis in the United States: A Podcast
title_sort burnout among physicians treating patients with multiple sclerosis in the united states a podcast
topic Burnout
Patient care
Physicians
Multiple sclerosis
Neurology
url https://doi.org/10.1007/s40120-025-00738-6
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