New Survey Uncovers the Future of Medicine is in Jeopardy
The Physicians Foundation announces its new survey, 2023 Survey of America’s Current and Future Physicians, with findings that demonstrate a critical need for systemic changes within the health industry to help improve the future of medicine. Similar to previous years, the state of physician wellbeing remains low; however, residents and medical students report even lower states of wellbeing.
The State of Wellbeing Remains Low
For the third year in a row, six in ten (58%) physicians often have feelings of burnout, compared to four in ten before the pandemic in 2018. Like their physician colleagues, six in 10 (61%) residents often have feelings of burnout. Whereas, seven in ten (71%) medical students report often having feelings of burnout. Furthermore, more than half of physicians (51%) know of a physician who has ever considered, attempted, or died by suicide, remaining consistent since 2021. Though just starting their careers, a shocking proportion of students (45%) know a colleague or peer who has considered suicide, compared to residents (38%) and physicians (36%).
Despite high levels of stress, burnout and mental health distress, stigma and structural barriers prevent current and future physicians from seeking the care and support they need, with the majority of physicians (78%), residents (79%) and medical students (76%) agreeing that there is stigma surrounding mental health and seeking mental health care among physicians.
Creating a Culture of Wellbeing Among Future Physicians
In the face of these challenges, the survey suggests that residents and medical students strive to support themselves and each other. Agreement is significantly higher among residents and medical students compared to physicians for reporting that they know suicidal warning signs (physicians, 71%; residents, 83%; and medical students, 77%) and that they have checked in with a colleague experiencing mental distress (physicians, 35%; residents, 63%; and medical students, 67%). Residents (29%) and students (47%) are also significantly more likely to have sought medical attention for mental health in the past year, compared to physicians (19%). Lastly, six in ten medical students (60%) agree that physician wellbeing is a topic of conversation in medical school classes.
To better support the future physician workforce, The Physicians Foundation and The Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation launched Dear FutureDoc, a new initiative from the Vital Signs campaign around NPSA Day. The goals of Dear FutureDoc are to encourage future physicians to reflect on their own mental health and wellbeing, to support each other and share their hopes for the future of physician wellbeing.
- Note to Self:A notecard that medical students, residents and physicians can use to write a personal message to their future selves for encouragement.
- Note to Others:A notecard that future and current physicians can use to write an encouraging message to a peer or colleague.
- Selfie Sign:A sign to use as a background to take a selfie and post on social media with a message about their hopes for the wellbeing of physicians in 20 years.
Solutions to Improve the Future of Medicine
The future of medicine is dependent on change to offer the right resources and eliminate barriers that impact physicians’ wellbeing. Physicians, residents, and students have identified the solutions they need. At the top of the list, physicians (80%) and residents (85%) agree that reducing administrative burdens, such as low-value work, insurance approvals and unnecessary mandatory training, is helpful to improving wellbeing. Additionally, we found that at least half of physicians and residents report insurance requirements (physicians, 76%; residents, 77%), documentation protocols (physicians, 71%; residents, 67%), regulatory policies (physicians, 60%; residents, 50%) and mandatory training requirements (physicians, 53%; residents, 54%) as often or always hindering their autonomy to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient care.
This information is intended for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know may be in a crisis, call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
