Understanding Physician Burnout with Nisha Mehta, MD

Money Checkup with Anjali Jariwala

Dr. Nisha Mehta identified the symptoms of burnout fairly early in her life as a radiologist.

Instead of pursuing an academic career, she chose to begin writing and speaking about issues surrounding physicians’ demanding lifestyles, including work-life balance, women in medicine, physician finances, healthcare policy and the industry landscape, physician entrepreneurship and more.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

• Fewer and fewer physicians say they would recommend a career in medicine to their children because the profession is so demanding.
• Dr. Mehta thinks most people in medical careers are beginning to realize the seriousness of burnout, including administrators and policymakers who see how that impacts hospital bottom lines and patient outcomes.
• Physicians don’t have to de-prioritize their work to maintain work-life balance. They often just need to be more intentional with their time — including prioritizing family time, wellness and sleep.
• Physicians often do as much as they can until they’re totally overwhelmed, then try to make a drastic change. Dr. Mehta encourages them to think about career longevity instead. How much do you need to slow down if you’re going to finish this marathon?
• It can take physicians a long time to come out of the scarcity mentality of training. At a certain point, if earning more money takes away from your family time or your well-being, it may not be worth it.
• Decide how much money you and your family need to live comfortably and to save for your goals, and then use that as a benchmark for deciding whether you need to put in additional hours or take on additional responsibilities. Often physicians need to work less than they think they do.
• Know your worth and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. Physicians only make up 8% of healthcare costs. Advocate for your share.

STAY IN THE LOOP WITH US!

Follow FIT Advisors on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter, or sign up for our monthly email newsletter at the bottom of the homepage.

Do you like Money Checkup? Please be sure to let me know by rating and reviewing the show!