--- title: Physician Burnout to Physician Wellness - One Doctor at a Time | Physician Burnout (2) description: Physician Burnout | Stop Physician Burnout, Build Better Physician Leaders | The Happy MD (2) --- [![Stop-physician-burnout-dike-drummond-physician-leadership-you-can-banner-11-5-2018_opt995W](https://www.thehappymd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Stop-physician-burnout-dike-drummond-physician-leadership-you-can-banner-11-5-2018_opt995W-1.jpg?width=995&height=146&name=Stop-physician-burnout-dike-drummond-physician-leadership-you-can-banner-11-5-2018_opt995W-1.jpg "Stop-physician-burnout-dike-drummond-physician-leadership-you-can-banner-11-5-2018_opt995W")](https://www.thehappymd.com) ## **The Creative Destruction of Physician Burnout ** [![prevent doctor burnout matrix](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/263814/da1e787d-095f-4485-9d4d-9a9bc4195d86.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/263814/da1e787d-095f-4485-9d4d-9a9bc4195d86) # [Physician Burnout has nothing to do with your batteries being run down](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-has-nothing-to-do-with-your-batteries-being-run-down) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/Battery%20fallacy-1.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-has-nothing-to-do-with-your-batteries-being-run-down) ## The Battery Fallacy is one of the great myths of Physician Burnout.  Until you understand how energy works inside the physiology of a doctor, you can't begin to protect yourself from burnout. ## The Battery Fallacy When I deliver a training at a Med Staff Meeting, I always ask, "Raise your hand if you have ever said, '*My batteries are run down, I just need a recharge*'. All the hands go up.  The batteries-run-down is the most common metaphor for burnout and it is TOTALLY INACCURATE. > The Battery Theory of physician energy management is a myth, a fallacy. > > It is a blind spot. > > It is a barrier to recognizing and preventing physician burnout.  Our work with *over 40,000 doctors in the last 12 years* has revealed a working model of physician energy that provides: > An accurate representation of energy balance in doctors > > The energetic source of the symptoms of burnout  > > Burnout treatment and prevention mechanisms you can put into place today Tags: [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-has-nothing-to-do-with-your-batteries-being-run-down) # [Work Life Balance for Physicians Power Tool - Scheduled Spontaneity](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/work-life-balance-for-physicians-scheduled-spontaneity) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/Scheduled%20spontaneity%20physician%20work%20life%20balance.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/work-life-balance-for-physicians-scheduled-spontaneity) ## **Work Life Balance for Physicians – the power of “Scheduled Spontaneity”** When it comes to work-life balance for physicians, it's up to you. Left to its own devices, your career/practice will naturally dominate your larger life. The two prime directives we learn in our medical education: *The Patient Comes First* and* Never Show Weakness* virtually guarantee work will always come out on top.  Work Life Balance is a task only you can accomplish. You must force the issue. Make it happen. Fortunately the tools for this task are simple and the weekly life balancing process only takes a few minutes. Tags: [physician burnout prevention](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout-prevention), [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/dike-drummond-md), [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [Work Life Balance](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/work-life-balance), [physician burnout treatment](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout-treatment), [Physician Coaching](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-coaching) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/work-life-balance-for-physicians-scheduled-spontaneity) # [Physician Burnout - Who Will Save Us](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-who-will-save-us) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/Physician%20Burnout%20Who%20Will%20Save%20Us.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-who-will-save-us) ## **Physician Burnout - Who will Save Us?** **Let's talk about what to do when you finally realize you are on your own, that no one and nothing is coming to rescue you.** **========================** **In most burnout blog posts and comments on the internet, physicians do the same thing - blame, justify and complain about the work stresses we are under. ** - Our struggles and frustrations are real - Our concerns are 100% legitimate - **And yet pointing fingers and playing the victim will only keep you stuck DEEP in *Einstein's Insanity Trap*** ***~~~~~~~~~~~~ Learn More: ***[*235 Proven Tools* for Your Burnout Prevention Strategy](https://support.thehappymd.com/physician-burnout-prevention-matrix) ***~~~~~~~~~~~~*** [The latest survey shows](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(22)00515-8/fulltext) over 60% of doctors suffering from symptomatic burnout on any given office day. New levels of work stress seem to pile on each week. We all daydream of a lifeline, a rescue, a refuge, a break. It is as if we are locked high in the castle tower, at the mercy of our evil captors - EMR, MOC, Preauths, RVU production quotas, the Call Center is a mess, and my Inbox is overflowing *like a plugged toilet*. Surely someone has dispatched a knight in shining armor to free us from this torment. All of these concerns are true and valid AND understand one thing ... > ## **Complaining and dreaming of a rescue is Playing the Victim - Pure and Simple** > > ## **There is no one and nothing coming to save you** > > ## **This yearning only distracts you from saving yourself** > > **Let me set a framework for addressing burnout effectively - the straightest path to meaningful change in your work day and your organization.** > > So you can release the urge to blame, justify and complain, > hear that little voice calling you to take back your practice, > and know how to get started.    Tags: [physician burnout prevention](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout-prevention), [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/dike-drummond-md), [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [physician stress](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-stress), [Physician Leadership](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-leadership) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-who-will-save-us) # [Physician Burnout – Pathophysiology and Treatment of Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-pathophysiology-treatment-prevention) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/2015_Blog/physician-burnout-pathophysiology-energy-accounts_opt150.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-pathophysiology-treatment-prevention) ******In my work with over stressed physicians I have noticed a consistent misunderstanding of the pathophysiology of burnout – **the hidden methods physician burnout uses to sap your energy and steal your passion for medicine. In this post I will show you how Physician Burnout does it’s dirty work. Once you clearly understand how physician burnout operates, you will begin to see the **simple ways you can keep the normal stresses of being a doctor — from crossing the line into threatening your career, your marriage and even your** life. Tags: [physician burnout prevention](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout-prevention), [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [physician burnout treatment](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout-treatment), [physician burnout pathophysiology](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout-pathophysiology) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-pathophysiology-treatment-prevention) # [Time Management is a Myth – Manage This instead](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-time-management-is-a-myth-manage-this-instead) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/TimeManagementMyth.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-time-management-is-a-myth-manage-this-instead) ## ** Time management is a myth.** **There is no such thing as time management.  **You and I get 24 hours in each day – 168 of them in a week. No more and no less. The seconds in an hour are a fixed resource that no one can manipulate or manage or finagle or cajole or multiply. **So let’s all stop focusing on ” *time management* ” and do something MUCH more productive instead.** **Let me show you a *simple checklist* to *Manage Your Priorities* instead**** and create *more work-life balance* this week** **** Tags: [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [time management](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/time-management) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-time-management-is-a-myth-manage-this-instead) # [Frequent Imposter Syndrome Impairs One in Four US Physicians](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/frequent-imposter-syndrome-impairs-one-in-four-us-physicians) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/Imposter%20Syndrome%20in%20Physicians.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/frequent-imposter-syndrome-impairs-one-in-four-us-physicians) ## "Physicians suffer Imposter Syndrome more than other US Workers" A headline that has every doctor and nurse nodding their head in agreement and my personal "DUH of the Week" in healthcare industry news. Fortunately, the authors put together some pretty good recommendations for action steps in the end. Check it out.  > [A new study](https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(22)00378-0/fulltext) from Tait Shanafelt MD, et al at Stanford is out: > > *Imposter Phenomenon in US Physicians Relative to the US Working Population* > SYNOPSIS: > > The researchers conducted a national survey of roughly 3,000 physicians between the ages of 29 and 65. In the survey, physicians ranked four statements on a 5-point scale, from “not at all” to “very true.” The statements expressed thoughts related to burnout, professional fulfillment, self-valuation and suicide. > Based on the participants’ rankings, the study authors found that 1 in 4 physicians experienced frequent or intense imposter syndrome symptoms. (bolds are mine) > > AND Stronger feelings of imposter syndrome bring greater risk of occupational burnout, suicidal thoughts and professional unfulfillment.   ## We All Know This is True and remember how it started way back in Medical School. The inner voice says, "What if they find out?" ... and you are off to the Shame and Guilt Olympics. Tags: [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/frequent-imposter-syndrome-impairs-one-in-four-us-physicians) # [Our Physician Wellness Strategy Template](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/our-corporate-physician-wellness-strategy-design-template) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/BlueprintWebinar-1.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/our-corporate-physician-wellness-strategy-design-template) Our *Quadruple Aim Blueprint Webinar* The Blueprint for your Physician Wellness Strategy [Register for the Complete Webinar Replay Video](https://support.thehappymd.com/blueprint-webinar-registration) We share our 12 year, 40,000 doctor experience preventing physician burnout and our corporate wellness strategy template. The Webinar is Ideal For: - Chief Wellness Officers - Wellness Champions - C-suite and other Senior Healthcare Leaders - All Physicians, Staff and Administrators interested in playing a role in the Wellness Strategy going forward > If you understand WHY > > - the health and wellness of your people are critical to the survival of your organization > > Let us show you HOW > > - to build a proactive organization-wide wellness strategy NOW > > [Register for the Webinar Replay Here](https://support.thehappymd.com/blueprint-webinar-registration) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ## Learn How to Design and Deploy your Organization's Wellness Strategy in our Blueprint Webinar Tags: [physician wellness](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-wellness), [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [Physician Leadership](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-leadership) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/our-corporate-physician-wellness-strategy-design-template) # [Covid19 Physician Burnout & 6 Phases of Emotional Response to Disaster](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/covid19-physician-burnout-and-the-six-phases-of-emotional-response-to-disaster) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/zunin%20and%20meyers%20stages%20of%20emotional%20response%20to%20disaster%20physician%20burnout.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/covid19-physician-burnout-and-the-six-phases-of-emotional-response-to-disaster) ## Did you know that your emotional responses to disaster have a known structure and a logical order you will find comforting? I knew about the symptoms of physician burnout, Kubler-Ross and her stages, even stages of quitting smoking, but until today I had never been introduced to *Zunin and Myers *and the **6 Stages of Normal Human Emotional Response to Disaster.** This is a fascinating progression and strikes true for my experience of COVID so far. These stages are intertwined with physician burnout, PTSD and so many other normal and abnormal psychological responses to difficulty and struggle. Tags: [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [Pandemic](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/pandemic) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/covid19-physician-burnout-and-the-six-phases-of-emotional-response-to-disaster) # [Physician Burnout RANT - Cognitive Ergonomics](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-rant-rcognitive-ergonomics) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/Cognitive%20Ergonomics%20%281%29.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-rant-rcognitive-ergonomics) ## Stop Physician Burnout - Cognitive Ergonomics is the DUH of the Day [  RANT ON  ] Tags: [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [cognitive ergonomics](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/cognitive-ergonomics) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/physician-burnout-rant-rcognitive-ergonomics) # [Is COVID + IDA an Existential Threat to Louisiana Doctors and All Healthcare Staff?](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/covid-ida-an-existential-threat-to-louisiana-doctors-and-all-healthcare-staff) Posted by [Dike Drummond MD](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/author/dike-drummond-md) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [![](https://www.thehappymd.com/hubfs/NOLA-Hurricaine-IDA_Covid19-Louisiana_heathcare_system.jpg) ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/covid-ida-an-existential-threat-to-louisiana-doctors-and-all-healthcare-staff) ## What could be worse than COVID 19 Wave Four in a State with a 41% vaccination rate? ## How about a Cat 4 Hurricane slapped right across your face at the very same time. My biggest fear is that this one-two punch will destroy the healthcare delivery system in New Orleans, the state of Louisiana and any other state in IDA's path. The buildings may remain standing, my concern is *the will of the people in the front lines.* Tags: [Physician Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout), [Covid19](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/covid19) [READ MORE NOW >>>](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/covid-ida-an-existential-threat-to-louisiana-doctors-and-all-healthcare-staff) [Previous](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout/page/1) [All posts](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/all) [Next](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/topic/physician-burnout/page/3) ## **Find what you need here...** ## **We wrote the Book on Preventing Burnout** The first Field Manual to a more Ideal Practice - **40,000 copies in print. ** [**CLICK HERE to learn more and get your copy**](https://support.thehappymd.com/stop-physician-burnout-book) [![stop-physician-burnout-book-dike-drummond-40000_opt200W](https://www.thehappymd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/stop-physician-burnout-book-dike-drummond-40000_opt200W.jpg?width=200&name=stop-physician-burnout-book-dike-drummond-40000_opt200W.jpg)](https://support.thehappymd.com/stop-physician-burnout-book) ## **The Burnout Prevention MATRIX 2.0 FREE Report** **Over 235 ways to prevent physician burnout inside.  **[**CLICK HERE to learn more and get your FREE copy**](https://support.thehappymd.com/physician-burnout-prevention-matrix) [![Physician-burnout-prevention-MATRIX-report-6000-downloads_opt.jpg](https://www.thehappymd.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/NEW%20HOME%20IMAGES/Physician-burnout-prevention-MATRIX-report-6000-downloads_opt.jpg?width=200&height=175&name=Physician-burnout-prevention-MATRIX-report-6000-downloads_opt.jpg)](https://support.thehappymd.com/physician-burnout-prevention-matrix) ### **Prevent Burnout** **~**  [Physician Burnout – Why It’s NOT a Fair Fight](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/295048/Physician-Burnout-Why-its-not-a-Fair-Fight) **~**  [Physician Burnout Symptoms Differ in Women and Men](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/294952/Physician-Burnout-Presents-Differently-in-Male-and-Female-Doctors)**~**  [Physician Burnout's Highest and Best Use ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/378959/Physician-Burnout-Highest-and-Best-Use)**~**  [Pathophysiology and Treatment of Burnout](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/290248/Physician-Burnout-Pathophysiology-and-Treatment-of-Burnout) **~ ** [Physician Wellness - Two Ways to Tell If Your Group Cares](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/290377/Physician-Wellness-How-to-tell-if-Your-Group-Cares) **~**  [Burnout vs. the Bottom Line - the Epic Battle ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/349242/Physician-Burnout-Vs-the-Bottom-Line-the-Epic-Battle)**~**  [Physician Burnout - Who Will Save Us? ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/381680/Physician-Burnout-Who-Will-Save-Us) ### **Physician Leadership** **~**  [3 Reasons Doctors Make Lousy Leaders and What You Can Do About It](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/290715/Physician-Leadership-Skills-3-Reasons-Doctors-Make-Poor-Leaders-and-What-You-Can-Do-About-It) **~**  [Monthly Staff Meeting Power Up and Team Venting process](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/290401/Physician-Leadership-Monthly-Staff-Meeting-Power-Up-and-Team-Venting-Process) **~**  [Employed Physician's Guide to Managing Your Boss ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/369921/Employed-Physician-Guide-to-Managing-Your-Boss)**~**  [Disruptive Physician's Toolkit](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog/bid/285327/Disruptive-Physician-Toolkit) #### **"Changed my toxic work situation" ** *"I started to feel better about my life within a couple weeks of beginning our conversations. I knew that I had an ally and friend. I realized that my feelings were predictable based on my circumstances, that I was “normal”. For the first time in years I had real hope that things would change for the better. * *We worked together to find and interview for a new position in the worst job market for my specialty the recruiters have ever experienced. With Dike’s help and persistent positive attitude, I found a new position at a group that really cares about the doctors and I start in two weeks. * *For me, the program has been worth everything. It has enabled me to emerge from my depression, change my toxic work situation, improve my home and family life, and allow myself to be happy and realize that I deserve to be happy.” * **~ Anonymous MD** [![Physician-burnout-prevention-discovery-session](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/263814/cc0b1858-fb1c-4ed3-98e5-4c4f10706093.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/263814/cc0b1858-fb1c-4ed3-98e5-4c4f10706093) - [Home ](https://www.thehappymd.com) - [Blog ](https://www.thehappymd.com/blog) - [About](https://www.thehappymd.com/about-the-happy-md)   - [ Contact ](https://www.thehappymd.com/contact) - |  - [Republish Articles](https://www.thehappymd.com/the-happy-md-content-network-signup-r)   || [Privacy Policy](https://www.thehappymd.com/privacy-policy) | [Terms of Use](https://www.thehappymd.com/terms-of-use) | [Anti-Spam Policy](https://www.thehappymd.com/anti-spam-policy) ||   **© TheHappyMD.com all rights reserved**