Medical Burnout: Why Wellbeing Matters More Than Ever

At Wombat we know that doctors work under extreme pressure, often putting their own wellbeing last. That’s why we’re partnering with Medlo to offer Medlo doctors 10% off their first therapy session and free access to our wellbeing app—because looking after doctors means looking after patients too.

Burnout in Doctors: A Silent Epidemic

Physician burnout is at an all-time high, with long shifts, administrative burdens, and emotional exhaustion taking a toll. Studies show that burnout affects up to 50% of doctors, leading to decreased job satisfaction, higher medical errors, and even increased risk of mental health struggles.

Burnout isn’t just “being tired”—it’s a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion that can affect your health, career, and patient care. Recognizing the difference between everyday stress and full-blown burnout is key:

Stress vs. Burnout: Know the Signs

Feature Simple Stress Clinical Burnout
Duration Temporary and manageable Persistent and overwhelming
Response to Rest Improves with rest Doesn’t improve with time off
Emotional Impact Emotional resilience intact Emotional exhaustion and detachment
Engagement Level Feeling pressure but still engaged Loss of motivation and purpose
Workload Perception Manageable workload perception Feeling ineffective and helpless
Behavioral Signs Occasional frustration Cynicism, detachment, and apathy

Why Preventing Doctor Burnout Is Crucial

Physicians dedicate their lives to helping others, but at what cost? Burnout in doctors can lead to:

Increased medical errors
Decreased job satisfaction
Higher rates of depression and anxiety
Physician turnover and career dissatisfaction
Worse patient outcomes

Taking steps to prevent doctor burnout is essential for long-term career satisfaction and better mental health.

How Doctors Can Reduce Burnout

🔹 Set boundaries – Avoid excessive overtime and create a clear work-life balance.
🔹 Seek mental health support – Therapy, coaching, or peer support can help manage stress.
🔹 Use wellbeing tools – Apps and mindfulness techniques can support emotional resilience.
🔹 Take regular breaks – Even short mental resets can help prevent physician burnout.

If you’re a Medlo doctor, take advantage of your exclusive benefits with Wombat Health today!

Are You at Risk of Burnout?

Don’t wait until burnout affects your health and career. Take our free burnout quiz now to find out your risk level.

  • The information and resources provided do not constitute medical or mental health advice, and are not a substitute for proper medical or mental health diagnosis, treatment or care from a medical or mental health professional. This Article provides general information only, and do not contemplate any specific circumstances of the users or any other parties.

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