Physician burnout isn't just a buzzword; it's a critical issue impacting healthcare professionals across the globe, affecting patient care, workforce stability, and the very sustainability of our health systems. While often discussed in the context of experienced clinicians, a recent study sheds light on just how early this burden can begin, highlighting risks for doctors right at the start of their careers – findings that resonate deeply with concerns identified in the radiology community.
The study, "A thematic analysis of newly qualified doctors’ experiences of burnout" by Colin R. Kilday, published in BMC Medical Education, delves into the experiences of foundation doctors within the UK's National Health Service (NHS). These doctors are navigating the demanding two-year UK Foundation Programme (UKFP), their first professional role after medical school.
Understanding burnout from day one
Kilday's research, based on interviews with foundation doctors, reveals that burnout is not just a distant threat but a present reality for many trainees. Key findings include:
- Early onset: The majority of doctors interviewed had already experienced burnout or recognised its symptoms early in their careers. They often directly attributed these feelings to the pressures of the UKFP and working within the NHS.
- High-stress rotations: Certain rotations, particularly in acute medicine, were identified as major contributors. Factors like intense workloads, challenging on-calls, perceived lack of senior support, and severe staffing shortages created environments ripe for burnout.
- Workplace culture: Systemic issues within the NHS, such as bullying by senior staff and persistent staffing problems, were significant stressors. Experiences of bullying were directly linked to feelings of burnout and created toxic working environments.
- Work-life imbalance: The inflexible and demanding nature of the UKFP made managing personal life alongside work incredibly stressful, sometimes leading doctors to feel overwhelmed and needing to take time off, potentially delaying their training.
- Protective factors: Despite the challenges, some aspects offered protection. A strong sense of community and peer support among foundation doctors helped mitigate stress. Furthermore, the option to work less-than-full-time was seen by some as a crucial strategy to prevent or manage burnout.
The study paints a concerning picture: the transition from student to doctor, coupled with systemic pressures like high demands, insufficient resources (staffing, support), and negative workplace culture, places newly qualified doctors at significant risk. They are often caught in a "sink or swim" environment just as they begin their professional journey.
Echoes in radiology: Battling burnout
These findings from doctors just starting out mirror the challenges faced by experienced professionals across various specialties, including radiology. The pressures described – high workload, systemic issues, the struggle for work-life balance – are familiar themes.
Our own research, Radiology Unlocked: The Global Radiology Report 2025, underscores this pervasive challenge within the global radiology community. We surveyed radiologists worldwide, and the results were stark: burnout emerged as the single biggest professional concern for over half (53%) of our respondents.
This statistic highlights that the factors driving burnout aren't confined to the early training years or specific healthcare systems like the NHS. They represent a sustained, widespread threat throughout demanding medical careers. Radiologists, facing ever-increasing imaging volumes, staffing shortages, administrative burdens, and the pressure for diagnostic accuracy, are clearly feeling the strain.
Addressing the crisis: From foundation to consultant
Both the Kilday study and our Radiology Unlocked report point towards a need for systemic change. While individual resilience strategies have a place, the root causes often lie within the work environment and system structure.
- Addressing workload and staffing: Sustainable solutions must tackle unrealistic workloads and chronic understaffing.
- Improving workplace culture: Fostering supportive environments, addressing bullying proactively, and ensuring adequate senior support and mentorship are crucial.
- Enhancing flexibility: Exploring more flexible training and working arrangements (like less-than-full-time options) can help individuals manage demands and maintain well-being.
- Prioritising well-being: Healthcare organisations need to genuinely prioritise clinician well-being, moving beyond lip service to implement effective support measures.
The journey from newly qualified doctor to experienced radiologist is long, and the risk of burnout is a constant companion. Understanding the early triggers, as highlighted by Kilday's research, and acknowledging the scale of the problem across specialties, as shown in our Radiology Unlocked report, is the first step towards creating a healthier, more sustainable future for all healthcare professionals and the patients they serve.
