Demographics in distress: a national study of burnout and well-being of resident physicians in high-burnout specialties

Resident burnout harms learning and negatively affects patient care, physician retention, and healthcare costs. Programs are increasingly prioritizing resident well-being. However, literature focuses on resident burnout, often overlooking well-being, and post-pandemic well-being has not been evaluated across specialties. This study assessed post-pandemic burnout and well-being among frontline residents nationwide and examined associations with demographics. A nationwide, cross-sectional survey in 2024 was conducted as part of a randomized controlled trial evaluating a well-being training among residents in high-burnout specialties (surgery, obstetrics-gynecology, family, internal, and emergency medicine). The survey assessed burnout and well-being outcomes. Prevalence rates of burnout or low well-being were calculated and compared across demographics. Regression models assessed associations with well-being, adjusting for demographic characteristics. 540 residents responded. The sample was predominantly cisgender women (67%), White (67%), and in a non-surgical medical specialty (56%). Most residents (68%) had elevated stress, 83% had burnout, and 92% had elevated loneliness. Surgery residents and mid-level residents had higher burnout on the depersonalization subscale (p<.01) while Black residents had lower depersonalization (p<.01). Women had lower resilience (p<.001), flourishing (p<.001), and self-efficacy (p<.001). Compared to those married or in long-term relationships, single residents had higher loneliness and lower meaning and purpose (p<.001). Evidence suggests worsening trends among resident physicians concerning various aspects of burnout and well-being, and certain demographic groups are at higher risk. Our findings underscore the critical need for targeted well-being interventions in residency. clinicaltrails.gov Identifier NCT06149156, registered 11/28/2023.