Burnout Among Postgraduate Medical Trainees: Experiences and Prevention Strategies
Abstract
Burnout is a common problem that negatively impacts the well-being of postgraduate medical trainees. The study aims to explore trainees’ experiences of burnout in different specialties and generate potential strategies for prevention. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with trainees at a tertiary medical center. The inclusion criteria included residents and fellows practicing in the medical center irrespective of gender, age, specialty, and year of training. There were 32 residents classified as surgical specialty versus non-surgical specialty: 16 males and 16 females. The themes generated were understanding burnout experiences in residency, causes of burnout, and potential strategies for prevention. Work overload was the most cited reason for burnout. Other causes were understaffing, specialty type, faculty members/peers, economic and political problems, and personal factors. The leadership programs responsible for training of postgraduate medical trainees should be aware of the early warning signs of burnout. Effective workload assignments with rest intervals, and attention to work-life balance, and to self-care help prevent burnout and promote overall well-being.
Citation Information
@article{alineyacoubian2026,
title={Burnout Among Postgraduate Medical Trainees: Experiences and Prevention Strategies},
author={Aline Yacoubian and Evangelia Demerouti and Sarah Kawtharani and Maya Romani and Albert El Hajj},
journal={BMC Medical Education},
year={2026},
doi={https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-9266292/v1}
}
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