Lessons Learned: Preventing Faculty Burnout.

Abstract

Introduction: Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) clinicians face a major learning curve when transitioning from patient provider to PA educator. Furthermore, PA educators juggle multiple responsibilities including teaching, grading, advising, mentoring, interviewing, researching, writing, and more. Recently published research has indicated that 52.4% of PA educators thought about leaving their faculty roles within the past year. To assist in the effort to prioritize faculty retention, a personal story of faculty burnout and lessons learned is shared.

Methods: Burnout and its three associated subscales are defined, while symptoms of burnout are outlined in a manner specific to the role of a PA faculty member.

Results: Drawing from the existing evidence base, suggestions are made to improve the well-being of PA educators and prevent faculty burnout or turnover.

Discussion: While being a PA faculty member is extremely rewarding, it can also be challenging, particularly for early-career PAs or those transitioning from clinical practice with no prior work experience as an educator. Strategic implementation of good habits may aid faculty members in preventing burnout and improving work-life balance.