A Narrative Review on Radiation Oncology Physician Well-Being in the United States

Despite limited studies on burnout among radiation oncologists in the United States, especially when compared with data from other countries, there is a prevalence of burnout among radiation oncologists of all career stages, including trainees, attendings, program directors, and academic chairs. This narrative review summarizes articles reporting on burnout and well-being among attending and resident radiation oncologists in the United States, examines burnout at career stages, discusses the impact of COVID-19, and provides strategies to reduce burnout in the radiation oncology field.

Upon completing this activity:

1. Physicians will understand the state of well-being and repercussions of burnout among radiation oncology attendings and trainees in the United States.

2. Physicians will be able to adapt strategies that can reduce burnout, increase personal fulfillment, and create a culture of well-being within the radiation oncology setting.

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Kimberly R. Gergelis, MD;¹Kimberly S. Corbin, MD;²Kaitlin W. Qualls, MD;²Yuhchyau Chen, MD, PhD;¹Nadia N. Laack, MD²

Affiliations: ¹Department of Radiation Oncology, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY; ²Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

• Radiation oncologists

• Related oncology professionals

None

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Institute for Advanced Medical Education (IAME) and Anderson Publishing. IAME is accredited by ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians. IAME designates this activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit^™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

1. Review this article in its entirety.

2. Visit appliedradiology.org/SAM.

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4. Complete the posttest and review the discussion and references.

5. Complete the evaluation.

6. Print your certificate.

The author discloses no relationships with ineligible companies.

IAME has assessed conflicts of interest with its faculty, authors, editors, and any individuals who were in a position to control the content of this CME activity. Any relevant financial relationships were mitigated with an independent peer review of this activity, and no conflicts or commercial bias were detected. IAME’s planners, content reviewers, and editorial staff disclose no relationships with ineligible entities.