Gender Differences in Physician Burnout: Driving Factors and Potential Solutions

INTRODUCTION: Burnout among physicians has reached an epidemic level, with substantially higher rates among women. In this brief report, the authors evaluate recent literature to identify major factors leading to gender differences in physician burnout. METHODS: The authors review data on gender within each of the key drivers of burnout, including workload and job demands, efficiency and resources, control and flexibility, organizational culture and values, social support and community at work, work–life integration, and meaning at work. RESULTS: Women physicians face a higher workload, spending more time in electronic health records, and more time per patient. Women physicians also receive fewer resources and report less control over their workload and schedules. Organizational culture factors, such as a lack of women in leadership roles, compensation disparities, lower rates of career advancement and academic promotion, as well as gender bias, microaggressions, and harassment, also play a key role in gender disparities in burnout. Disproportionate responsibilities outside of work, including childcare and elder care, contribute to less satisfaction with work–life integration. Additionally, women physicians report lower self-compassion and perceived appreciation. These factors ultimately lead to decreased professional fulfillment and higher burnout rates among women physicians. Finally, the authors present proposals to address each of these factors at an organizational level, to effectively address the high burnout rate among women physicians. CONCLUSION: Burnout among women physicians is substantially higher compared to men and stems from multiple factors. It is crucial for organizations to evaluate the gender differences within each burnout driver and develop sustainable strategies to reduce disparities.