Balance is in the Moment

Frontiers in Pediatrics

Michele Y. F. Kong¹ 

关键词: work-life balance;    work-life conflict;    working mother;    pediatrics;    burnout;   

DOI  :  10.3389/fped.2015.00087

学科分类：儿科学

来源: Frontiers

【 摘 要 】

Physician burnout is a real phenomenon that impacts us all, even from the early days of our training in medical school, residency, and fellowship (1). In a recent study by Goldhagen et al., the investigators reported an alarmingly high rate of burnout (approximately 80%) among resident physicians (2). As a mother of two young boys, a pediatric intensivist, and a physician scientist, I am acutely aware of the need for work-life balance. How do we strike this mythical balance, when each aspect of our lives, in their respective roles demands our fullest attention? When I am on service in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), my time and energy is entirely focused on my patients. When I am running a critical experiment in the laboratory, successful execution of the procedures is the priority, regardless of the time of day. When I am with the boys, I embrace my role as their mom, teacher, and friend, not as a physician scientist. Is it possible for us to have it all? Physicians, especially those who work in the front line of medicine are more likely to experience burnout and dissatisfaction with their work-life balance compared to the general population (3). The implications are significant, as those in our field are at increased risk for having depression, suicidal ideation, failed relationships, substance abuse, and addiction (4–7). Just as important, these issues can extend to our professional life, with serious consequences on patient care and the health care system (8–10).

【 授权许可】

CC BY