Online Therapy for Physician Burnout: Is Your Job Gaslighting You?
I had a conversation with a physician about a recent work experience. The physician said they had a work meeting where their admin discussed the idea of burnout. I was excited to hear what was discussed. The physician said Admin stated that burnout isn’t a “you” problem. It is a systemic problem. I loved hearing this. Great. The next thing I heard made me very mad. “It’s not about having more time. It’s about connecting more effectively with patients.”
“Having more time is not the answer.”
Excuse me?! What? I seem to be confused? I thought I heard that having more time is not the answer to a physician feeling burnt out? There has to be a small asterisk somewhere with that statement. Is this administrator, and I don’t use this term lightly, actively gaslighting you? I define gaslighting as manipulation of someone into questioning their own reality. I don’t want to believe this came out of a physician-administrator’s mouth but it happened.
For many primary care physicians, you are being squeezed to see more and more patients. I believe the most recent number physicians have talked to me about is 32-40 per day, which is roughly 4 to 5 patients an hour. A huge issue comes from seeing this many patients in that short amount of time. This is not the way many want to practice medicine. How in the world can you provide thorough medical care in that amount of time? The other side is to play the game by providing only the very basic medical care, and becoming the ultimate referral machine. Maybe you’ve thought it’s easier this way. Refer everyone out who isn’t a straightforward case and keep it moving. Isn’t this just moral injury or the distress felt when one can’t uphold your values due to the demands of the healthcare system?
What about the administrative burden of the latest and greatest electronic health records and documentation for billing? I’m sure documentation standards haven’t changed that much over the years to meet insurance billing standards. I’m sure the healthcare system has taken this change into account and adjusted the time necessary to complete the documentation.
“Having more time with patients and complete administrative
tasks will not help with burnout”
Having more time will 100% help with physician burnout. Having more time can allow physicians to practice medicine in a style that aligns more with their values. Having more time can allow physicians to meet the administrative burden. Please recognize that having more time is not the end all be all of ending physician burnout. It is only one piece of the system.
Support for the Systemic Struggle
While the healthcare system needs to change, you shouldn’t have to carry the emotional burden alone. If you are feeling the weight of moral injury, feeling like a cog, or the time squeeze, online therapy for physician burnout provides a confidential space to process these systemic frustrations. You deserve space to explore your exhaustion and understand that it isn’t a personal flaw, it’s a response to an unsustainable environment. Reach out for a free consultation with Chris Rabanera. Offering online therapy in California, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, and Utah, I specialize in addressing physician burnout and provide tailored treatment.
