While legislators debate the merits of repeal and replacement legislation to supplant the ACA, one former physician argues legislators won't have to worry about health plans if physician burnout rates continue to climb.
Thomas Black, MD, a former emergency physician, cited a 2017 report conducted by Medscape which surveyed physicians about their professional satisfaction. The survey found symptoms of physician burnout — a loss of enthusiasm for work, feelings of cynicism and a low sense of personal accomplishment — have continued to increase year over year among American physicians. Approximately 40 percent of physicians reported experiencing burnout in 2013 compared to 51 percent in 2017, according to Medscape.
"No one is talking about the health of physicians and nurses. I want the citizens of this country to be covered by a good health plan, but not at the expense of doctors, some of whom suffer from depression and substance abuse. Most people would be shocked to learn that suicide among doctors is a problem. I've lost several colleagues in recent years," said Dr. Black.
A former U.S. Navy veteran, Dr. Black said he left the medical field to prevent further emotional and spiritual damage by the unrealistic expectations placed upon him during and after a medical crisis occurred.
"When you lose a child you are caring for in the [emergency room] a little bit of your soul dies. There is nowhere to go to mourn and get some relief. You just have to buck up and carry on, hour after hour, one tragedy after another," he said. "Part of the problem is money. Everyone thinks doctors are wealthy and therefore don't need or deserve more attention. Not true."
Instead of focusing on insurance legislation, Dr. Black said policymakers should focus on crafting policy that mandates physicians cut back their clinical hours and encourages them to engage in restorative time earlier in their careers.
"We have to look after our own health if we're going to be effective in hospitals. Yes, we make good money, but that doesn't buy superhuman endurance and emotional stability under duress. If the politicians won't discuss the depletion of the medical community, we must do a better job managing our money and personal expectations … [The ACA] will be with us for the foreseeable future. But no matter which health plan you prefer, when you rush your family member to an emergency room, do you want to be treated by an exhausted, depressed doctor? Or a rested, balanced human being who is not on the verge of collapse?"