Work–Life Balance for the Modern Neurosurgeon: Her/His Perspective

Abstract

Physician work–life balance has gained significant attention in the last few years as the rates of burnout among physicians have increased. Burnout is defined as a state of mental and physical exhaustion caused by one’s professional life.1 It leads to exhaustion, cynicism, and adversely affected work productivity, patient outcomes, and interpersonal relationships. Although work–life balance applies to all professions, physicians find it especially hard to achieve, with almost half of U.S. surgeons being unsatisfied with their work–life dynamic.2 The decision to pursuemedicine as a career comeswith an inherent understanding that patients will always be a priority. The work–life imbalance begins during residency, where 60% of residents and fellows report experiencing significant work stress.2 Eventually, very few learn to cope and only one out of every five neurosurgeons can achieve a goodwork–life balance.Women physicians have higher rates of attrition as compared with men. This article aims to highlight the issue, increase self-awareness, and provide strategies to cope and have a better work–life relationship (►Table 1).