Survey: Physician burnout reaches lowest point since pandemic

Editor's Note

Less than half of physicians surveyed by the American Medical Association (AMA) in 2023 reported feeling burned out—the first time the figure has dropped below the 50% mark since 2020. These findings evidence continued decline in burnout from the record-high 62.8% in 2021 and 53% in 2022, according to a July 2 AMA report.

The 2023 findings are based on more than 12,400 responses from physicians across 31 states participating in the AMA Organizational Biopsy, which measures trends in job satisfaction, stress, burnout, intent to leave, feeling valued, and work hours. According to the data, job satisfaction increased from 68% in 2022 to 72.1% in 2023, while job stress decreased from 55.6% to 50.7%. Additionally, 50.4% of surveyed physicians reported feeling valued in 2023, up from 46.3% in 2022.

“The shift marks a milestone in the ongoing battle against physician burnout, but the fight is far from over,” the report reads. “Continued efforts are essential to address the root causes of physician burnout and ensure that doctors receive the support they need to thrive.”