6. Monitor for signs of burnout.
These signs include decreased satisfaction with daily activities, disconnecting from colleagues and feeling increased and overwhelming stress, Ms. Moody says.
At the University of Michigan Health-West, the Office of Professional Well-Being surveys clinicians annually for signs of burnout and offers voluntary coaching to help those who are struggling. While the office has been a success, it also takes an investment, Dr. Hahn says.
Self-Help
Although much of the responsibility to address burnout and workforce shortages may fall on the organizations that employ rheumatologists and on the greater healthcare system, clinicians can take steps to better manage today’s care responsibilities:
1. State your expectations upfront.
If you’re a new physician and facing a lot of student debt, you may feel pressure to simply accept whatever terms are given to you instead of objectively evaluating them, Mr. Schaff says. When negotiating for a new position, it’s important to make it clear what you want and what you need in terms of hours, number of days worked, care model, salary, and in other areas. “An honest dialogue will lead to better outcomes for you and your employer. The same is true if your circumstances change months or years into your employment; generally speaking, it’s better for everyone if you’ve shared the truth than if you’re quietly unhappy,” he advises.
2. Refer patients back to other physicians for care.
It’s common for specialists such as pulmonologists, nephrologists, and others to refer patients to rheumatologists for an emergent problem, Dr. Hahn says. This can be useful for the patient, but it could create a burden of care if the rheumatologist feels an obligation to continue to manage that patient over the long term. Refer patients back to their original specialist or their primary care physician if long-term rheumatology care isn’t truly needed.
3. Take steps back to recharge outside of work.
At this point, you’ve likely heard this advice numerous times. Still, it doesn’t hurt to state the basics of self-care again, like getting enough sleep, finding an enjoyable hobby, eating well and making time each day when you can unplug and not feel tethered to work messages or texts.
4. Inquire about a salary-based model.
The productivity-based compensation model based on the number of patients seen often puts rheumatologists at a disadvantage, Dr. Hahn says. Asking if a salary-based compensation model is possible could remove some of the burden of how many patients should be seen.
