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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Burnout Syndrome | Research

Assessing mid-career female physician burnout in the military health system: finding joy in practice after the COVID-19 pandemic

Authors: Jessica Korona-Bailey, Miranda Lynn Janvrin, Lisa Shaw, Tracey Perez Koehlmoos

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Background

Rates of physician burnout increased during the COVID-19 pandemic and are expected to continue to rise. Mid-career physicians, female physicians, and military physicians have all been identified as potentially vulnerable populations to experience burnout. We examine factors associated with physician burnout among this intersectional group through a qualitative key informant interview study.

Methods

We developed a semi-structured interview guide using the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s Improving Joy in Work Framework and recruited military, mid-career female physicians who worked in the Military Health System(MHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic, (March 2020 -December 2021). Notes were collated and deductive thematic analysis was conducted.

Results

We interviewed a total of 22 mid-career female physician participants. Participants were between 30 and 44 years of age and 7 were mothers during the pandemic. Most were White and served in the Army. All participants discussed the importance of building rapport and having a good relationship with coworkers. All participants also described their discontentment with the new MHS GENESIS electronic health record system. An emerging theme was military pride as most participants were proud to serve in and support the military population. Additionally, participants discussed the negative impact from not feeling supported and not feeling heard by leadership.

Conclusions

Much like providers in other health systems during the pandemic, MHS physicians experienced burnout. This study allowed us to gather key insights to improve policies for active duty service mid-career female military physicians. Provider inclusion, autonomy, and work culture play critical roles in future systems improvement and workforce retention.
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Metadata
Title
Assessing mid-career female physician burnout in the military health system: finding joy in practice after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors
Jessica Korona-Bailey
Miranda Lynn Janvrin
Lisa Shaw
Tracey Perez Koehlmoos
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18357-5

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