Understanding Burnout in Canadian Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

Resident burnout has been increasing in prevalence, with rates as high as 75%. Unfortunately, limited insight exists into the causes and manifestations of burnout in obstetrics and gynecology residents. To date, there are no Canadian longitudinal studies evaluating burnout. The goal of this study was to characterize the evolution of burnout. From January 2021 to January 2023, we used the Maslach Burnout Inventory and an associated survey to assess burnout in obstetrics and gynecology residents at McMaster University. A total of 95 responses were obtained, with self-reported burnout ranging from 33% to 56% versus actualized burnout rates of 49%–69%, with a high sense of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. Contributing factors included long duty hours and protective factors focused on introspection. Interestingly, career regret remained low between 3% and 11%.