• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO

2

Gen Zers are arriving at college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates

3

Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon

1

'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO

2

Gen Zers are arriving at college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates

3

Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon
Health

Two-Thirds of Doctors Experience Burnout. Here’s How To Stop It

Alexandra Sifferlin
By
Alexandra Sifferlin
Alexandra Sifferlin
Down Arrow Button Icon
Alexandra Sifferlin
By
Alexandra Sifferlin
Alexandra Sifferlin
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 20, 2018, 1:48 PM ET

LAGUNA NIGUEL, Calif.—In the United States, nearly two-thirds of physicians suffer from burnout. The reasons range from tough clinical hours to arduous amounts of paperwork that take up more of a doctor’s time than seeing patients.

“A third of doctors [say] they would not pick medicine again if they had a choice,” Dr. Toby Cosgrove, former president and CEO of the Cleveland Clinic said during a panel at Fortune’s Brainstorm Health conference.

That issue is becoming increasingly apparent to medical leaders. Dr. Laurie Glimcher, the president and CEO of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, said her hospital recently surveyed its physicians and found that while over 90% said they felt dedicated to the hospital’s mission, about 50% were reporting signs of burnout—which was particularly high among young, female oncologists. “Now that we realize the extent of this problem…we have to figure out ways to make the lifestyle and work style possible for our talented young doctors,” said Glimcher.

Here are some of Cosgrove’s and Glimcher’s suggested solutions.

Improve work-life balance

Glimcher says she’s noticed that doctors can have a “macho attitude” when it comes to how much time they spend working. “We always wear our beepers and are on 24/7,” she said. Glimcher realized the culture was becoming unhealthy when a young oncologist told her that she didn’t think she could keep up the pace. She wanted to go home and spend time with her kids, but instead she felt she was beholden to the beeper. Glimcher says work schedules need to change to allow doctors to truly take a break. “We need to have a system where people can cover for each other,” she says. “It’s not a matter of pride, but keeping [everyone] functioning.”

Teach how to be a team player

One of the reasons Cosgrove cites for doctors’ frustrations is the fact that physicians need to rely on their colleagues more now than in the past, which isn’t necessarily taught in medical schools. Cosgrove says the Cleveland Clinic medical school system brings in other health professionals that doctors will frequently work with—such as physicians assistants and nurses—early in the education process so that young doctors learn how to work on a team rather than as a single player.

Increase diversity

During the panel, the issue of the lack of diversity in medicine was raised. Both Glimcher and Cosgrove said that while their respective hospitals have taken strides to improve their gender ratios, there’s much more that needs to be done. “What we haven’t done enough of is to be inclusive to have enough [racial] diversity as well,” says Glimcher. “This is something we need to devote more resources to.”

Think about doctor’s health, too

According to Cosgrove, only about one third of the physicians at the Cleveland Clinic reported getting an annual exam. To make sure doctors were also taking care of their own health, the hospital made it a priority that physicians took a day to have their own check-ups. The hospital also brings in support groups and professionals to help doctors and their teams deal with difficult days on the job.

Cut back on the paperwork

Cosgrove says the amount of time that doctors spend doing paperwork that has nothing to do with treating patients is taking a toll. “I think you have to figure out how to decrease the busy work and non essential doctor work,” he said, adding that the Cleveland Clinic made small but helpful changes that helped cut back on the amount of time doctors spend doing logistical tasks. For example, the hospital hired more pharmacists to handle refills and more physicians assistants to assist doctors during appointments.

About the Author
Alexandra Sifferlin
By Alexandra Sifferlin
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Health

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Health

Kaged Pre-Workout Review (2026): Athlete Approved
HealthDietary Supplements
Kaged Pre-Workout Review (2026): Athlete Approved
By Christina SnyderJune 8, 2026
15 hours ago
Liquid IV Review (2026): Our Personal Experience
HealthDietary Supplements
Liquid IV Review (2026): Our Personal Experience
By Christina SnyderJune 8, 2026
16 hours ago
Biotics 8 Review (2026): Expert Tested
HealthDietary Supplements
Biotics 8 Review (2026): Expert Tested
By Emily PharesJune 8, 2026
16 hours ago
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Protein Review (2026)
HealthDietary Supplements
Jacked Factory Authentic Whey Protein Review (2026)
By Emily PharesJune 8, 2026
17 hours ago
The 4 Best Calcium Supplements of 2026: Approved by Our Experts
HealthDietary Supplements
The 4 Best Calcium Supplements of 2026: Approved by Our Experts
By Christina SnyderJune 8, 2026
19 hours ago
The Best Weightlifting Apps of 2026: Programming, Coaching, and More
HealthDietary Supplements
The Best Weightlifting Apps of 2026: Programming, Coaching, and More
By Christina SnyderJune 8, 2026
20 hours ago

Most Popular

'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO
Economy
'We didn’t see this coming': Wall Street eats its forecasts as stocks sell off globally on fear of AI bubble ahead of SpaceX IPO
By Jim EdwardsJune 8, 2026
1 day ago
Gen Zers are arriving at college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates
Success
Gen Zers are arriving at college unable to even read a sentence—professors warn it could lead to a generation of anxious and lonely graduates
By Preston ForeJune 7, 2026
2 days ago
Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon
Environment
Trump, who has repeatedly called climate change fake, is now threatening Brazil with tariffs over the deforestation of the Amazon
By Sasha RogelbergJune 8, 2026
14 hours ago
Current price of oil as of June 8, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of June 8, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 8, 2026
21 hours ago
'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money
Economy
'The golden years are not golden': Boomers are hoarding most of America's wealth and power because they're terrified of outliving their money
By Nick LichtenbergJune 7, 2026
2 days ago
Current price of silver as of Monday, June 8, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Monday, June 8, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJune 8, 2026
21 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.