Drivers and sequelae of burnout in U.S. dermatology trainees

BACKGROUND: Burnout is a health care epidemic. Although burnout has been shown to affect dermatologists in multispecialty studies, there are no such studies in dermatology trainees. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a survey-based study of burnout in U.S. dermatology trainees to identify its drivers and sequelae. METHODS: All residents enrolled in a U.S. dermatology training program were eligible. The 45-question survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a validated quality of life index, and 31 questions based on known drivers of burnout and new research questions. No identifying data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 180 residents responded, for a response rate of 14.4%. Notably, an analysis of the cohort showed that our sample was not statistically different from the national complement of trainees based both on proportion of female respondents and mean age (p = .9449 and .2376, respectively). Of the respondents, 59% were female. The average age was 30.6 years. Sixty-nine percent of trainees (124 of 180) met the criteria for burnout. On univariate analysis, age, sex, training year, and relationship status were not associated with burnout. Good work–life balance (p = .032), autonomy in the workplace (p = .0027), intradisciplinary respect (p = .022), and increased work hours (p = .0110) were protective. On multivariate analysis, autonomy in the workplace (odds ratio: 3.580; confidence interval, 1.32–9.71; p = .012) and good work–life balance (odds ratio: 0.262; confidence interval, 0.095–0.722; p = .0097) remained significant. CONCLUSION: Improving control over working environment, as evidenced by the impact of work–life balance and autonomy, may lessen burnout in trainees. Further studies analyzing regional and program-specific variations will help improve trainee experience.