More than 2 in 5 primary care physicians in the U.S. are experiencing burnout, according to survey results published Nov. 20 by the Commonwealth Fund.
The 2025 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey of Primary Care Physicians drew responses from 10,985 physicians. The survey was conducted between March 12 and Sept. 22 across 10 countries: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, the U.K. and the U.S.
Here are seven findings from the survey:
1. U.S. respondents were the most likely to report burnout, at 43%. Physicians in Canada and New Zealand followed, each at 38%.
2. Among U.S. physicians reporting burnout, 44% cited time-consuming administrative tasks as the primary driver.
3. Burned-out physicians in the U.S. also reported the following:
- 85% were somewhat or very dissatisfied with the amount of time spent on administrative tasks.
- 65% said time spent on insurance-related tasks is a major problem.
- 57% said time spent on patient care or visit documentation is a major problem.
- On average, physicians spent 23% of their time on administrative tasks.
4. Just 14% said burnout was primarily due to a patient panel that is too large or complex. Another 17% cited feeling their work is not valued.
5. More than half of physicians experiencing burnout said they were very or somewhat dissatisfied with the amount of time they can spend with each patient.
6. Nearly 70% of U.S. physicians with burnout said they were very or somewhat dissatisfied with their daily workload and work-life balance. Eighty-four percent said their job is extremely or very stressful.
7. To address burnout, the report recommends reducing administrative burdens, aligning patient panel size with available time for clinical and administrative tasks, and improving clinical leadership and ethical frameworks to enhance physicians’ sense of value and pride in their work.
