Navigating Burnout in Cardiology

Like many other medical specialties, Cardiology is facing a growing shortage of physicians, which is estimated to be between 7,880 and 12,030 by 2036, according to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

Driven by an aging population, increases in cardiovascular diseases and more clinicians choosing to subspecialize, this shortage is not only causing a significant gap in access to care for almost half of the U.S. population, but is also increasing burnout among Cardiology physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs).

While the data can raise questions about the future of the specialty, it also reinforces a key point for clinicians working in Cardiology today: burnout is more common than many realize, and no one is alone in the experience.

There are proactive ways Cardiologists can identify and manage burnout — from reconnecting with what drew them to the specialty, to seeking academic or leadership opportunities, to being more intentional during the job search process.

At every stage of your career journey, Provider Solutions & Development (PS&D) is here as a trusted resource for physicians and APCs. By getting to know your personal and professional goals, our team of expert recruiters can help you find a role and community that fits who you are to proactively mitigate some of the pressures that contribute to burnout.

(If you’re a clinician seeking your next Cardiology opportunity, check out our career site to view our open roles and get in touch with us.)

What Does Physician Burnout Look Like?

Burnout can look different for every clinician, depending on their role, how supported they feel and their unique work environment. Sometimes, it shows up in ways that are not immediately recognizable or can be mistaken for something else. That’s why it’s important for physicians and APCs to know what to watch out for and recognize common signs of burnout early.

For more than 50 years, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) has been the standard rubric used to assess burnout for physicians. It identifies three primary symptoms of burnout in industry professionals:

1. Exhaustion: When a clinician’s energy is low, both physically and emotionally, and continues in a downward trend over time
2. Depersonalization: Also known as “compassion fatigue,” when a clinician’s emotional availability for patients and those around them is at the lowest point
3. Lack of Efficacy: Much more common among women in the industry, when clinicians start doubting the meaning and purpose of their work

While the “big three” are the most common symptoms, burnout can manifest in many other ways, so it’s important for clinicians to consistently monitor their well-being to catch burnout quickly. Watch for any emotional and mental changes that seem out-of-character, physical symptoms, like trouble sleeping or headaches, withdrawing from loved ones or even neglecting your own needs.

Strategies for Mitigating Burnout in Your Cardiology Career

Burnout doesn’t have to reach a breaking point to be addressed. There are proven strategies clinicians can implement to help prevent it earlier.

Seek Academic Activity

A recent study from Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found Cardiologists working in an academic environment have greater job satisfaction. Even 10-20% of total effort spent on academic pursuits that are meaningful to you can result in nearly a two-thirds lower risk of burnout compared with those who don't make space for learning and teaching.

While the benefits of an academic-focused role are certainly positive for mitigating burnout, Cardiology roles at universities or teaching institutions can be limited, especially for those practicing in more rural areas.

Clinicians must instead think of “academic pursuits” more broadly and identify areas to integrate teaching and learning into their current or future roles, like:

• Expanding knowledge within your scope of practice: Taking classes, digging into the latest heart research and exploring new technologies that improve patient outcomes and experiences
• Finding opportunities for teaching and mentorship: Whether it be a traditional professor role or taking on mentorship responsibilities for up-and-coming clinicians, like, for example, the Providence Heart Institute, which has an innovative leadership training program focused on clinician well-being
• Participating in industry research: Supporting existing research studies, starting your own study or writing about research that interests you
• Attending conferences and giving presentations: A unique way to blend learning with networking and professional development, especially when speaking on a topic you’re passionate about
• Serving on professional committees and getting involved with industry organizations: Such as the American College of Cardiology or the American Heart Association

Reconnect with Your “Why”

Every clinician has a reason (or several) for choosing their profession and specialty. It may be the desire to make a difference in people’s lives, improve the health of a community or pursue a deeply personal calling.

Overtime, that “why” can get lost in the day-to-day demands of the job, especially if you don’t feel valued or fulfilled. Reconnecting with it takes intention, but that effort can make a big difference in mitigating burnout.

Reconnection looks different for everyone, but some examples include:

• Finding connection in the community outside the hospital: Volunteering, speaking at local schools or colleges or even simply attending community events
• Advocating for social justice or health education: Helping ensure more Americans have access to Cardiology care and educating local communities about keeping their hearts healthy
• Journaling and self-reflection: Getting stressful thoughts out of your head and finding high points to help put the day in perspective

Many clinicians come to PS&D to find a new role that better suits their lifestyle, and that realization often comes through journaling and self-reflection. It’s important for physicians and APCs to understand whether their current role is meeting their needs or if something is missing — the pace, location, responsibilities or something else.

The more you can share what you’re looking for with a recruiter — or what you’re not — the better they can help ensure you’re taking the best next step in your career.

Find the Best-Fit Role From the Start

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) found that while between 23% and 45% of Cardiologists wished to leave their jobs during the pandemic, that percentage dropped notably when clinicians felt valued.

It's not always easy to know how a role will feel until you’re in it, but clinicians can take proactive steps to reduce burnout by looking for roles that reflect their priorities and support their well-being.

Through our work helping clinicians explore best-fit opportunities, we’ve noticed a few common signals — in job descriptions and throughout the interview process — that can offer insight into whether a role is likely to feel supportive and fulfilling, including:

• A manageable schedule with flexibility that matches your lifestyle: Full-time or part-time, on-call requirements, paid time off and flexible hours
• A team-based care approach: Supportive teammates who can take some burden off clinicians, whether that be through administrative tasks or direct patient care
• Mental health support: Therapy or other mental health benefits, a balanced lifestyle and programs to help manage mental health (including burnout symptoms)
• Alignment with the organization’s values: Connection with the community, mission or how the hospital shows up for patients
• Technology integration: Reducing administrative burden and making time-consuming parts of the job more efficient

Proactivity Wins in Preventing Burnout

Many clinicians who are already experiencing burnout find themselves taking a more reactive approach to managing it. Taking a proactive approach in recognizing early signs of burnout and addressing them sooner can support better outcomes and lead to a more sustainable career especially in a high-stress specialty like Cardiology.

Staying engaged in your work matters. Seeking academic opportunities, reconnecting with the reasons you chose Cardiology and being thoughtful about your next career move can all play a role in long-term fulfillment. And when you’re ready to explore a role that better supports your goals, PS&D is here to help.

From large, urban hospital systems to smaller, rural clinics, PS&D works with Cardiology teams across a wide range of settings. Our recruiters take the time to understand what matters most to you and help you find a role that fits both your career goals and your life.

Ready to find the Cardiology role that lifts you up and makes you feel fulfilled? Reach out to our team today.