Your First Aid to Burnout

With telemedicine increasingly becoming an integral part of healthcare, you’re wondering if your job as a physician could benefit.

Perhaps you’re amongst the 42% of physicians in Medscape’s 2021 Physician Burnout Report who are at a critical level of burnout. The same report also states that this was a problem long before the coronavirus hit, with 79% claiming burnout prior to 2020.

In this article, you’ll learn how telemedicine could be your passport to a more enjoyable balance between your profession and your mental health.

Why Are Physicians Suffering from Burnout?

While burnout is clearly a problem for many physicians, 40% say they haven’t done anything about it because they’re too busy.

Yet burnout can be extremely damaging to both your physical and mental health, and indeed the patient’s outcome. 47% state that it is having a strong/severe impact on their life.

The biggest causes for burnout at work include:

• Spending too many hours at work (37%)
• Lack of respect from staff (37)
• Insufficient compensation (32%)
• Lack of control/autonomy (28%)
• Lack of respect from patients (17%)

These are the biggest problems physicians face while working. Other factors include:

• The commute
• Childcare costs to work
• Shift work affecting personal commitments
• Lack of time to do things you want to do

How Telemedicine Is the Cure

You are probably experiencing many of the factors that are causing you to feel exhausted. Here is how a job in telemedicine resolves each one.

Spending Too Many Hours at Work

In telemedicine, you can manage your own day. Depending on your contract with the provider, you can be flexible with when you have consultations booked in, and when you need time off.

When all consultations and after-call tasks have been complete, your work is done.

You will, however, require excellent organizational skills to execute this effectively.

Lack of Respect from Staff

Though you’ll continue to communicate with colleagues digitally, the temptation for situations to overheat will be reduced, as correspondence requires more professional thought.

Insufficient Compensation

In telemedicine, you can control how you earn. Some contracts will be paid per consult, while others will be per hour. When managed correctly, you can maximize your earnings and be rewarded in a job that is in demand and secure.

With the correct licensing, you may also benefit from practicing in other states, from one location. Doing this will enable you to use time zones to your advantage. (Read our article on ‘How to Boost Your Earnings in Telemedicine’.)

Lack of Control/Autonomy

In telehealth jobs, you’re in charge of your day. Of course, regulations and policies remain strictly in place, keeping both you and the patient protected.

You maintain increased control over how you manage your consultations, how productive your day can be, and what you do in your breaks in between.

Lack of Respect from Patients

Patients love the convenience of telehealth. Many don’t like being in hospitals and may be pressured by the time off or costs they’ve incurred to be there.

With no waiting rooms and car park fees, you’ll find your patients are a lot more patient.

The Commute

You may work locally or even at home, saving you many wasted hours, yet enjoying a wider reach of patients.

Childcare Costs to Work

You can plan your shifts to incorporate your parenting responsibilities, saving you on childcare costs, and improving your family life.

Shift Work, Personal Commitments, and a Lack of Time

With increased control over your shifts, you’ll be able to ensure in advance that you’ve got that time off you need for a special occasion.

Telemedicine gives you the freedom to be there for the people you love and the chores you must do. Equally importantly, you will be able to make time for the things you most enjoy doing.

Extinguish the Pressures and Join Telemedicine

In a high-pressured role, it is essential that your work/life balance compensates for the overload. You must have time to do what’s important to you.

Whether that’s a hobby that allows you to switch off, time with family, caring for someone who needs you, or simply feeling satisfied that you’ve been highly productive in providing care to many, your life must be as equally rewarding.

Telemedicine came to the rescue when the United States healthcare system needed it. And it’s here to rescue you now.

Contact TeleHealth Gigs. We’ll talk you through the next steps to starting a healthy professional life you deserve, in telemedicine.