Wellness round-up from 2025

Editor's Note

Burnout remains at high levels across the country, especially among physicians. Some studies and surveys suggest almost half of physicians experience some form of burnout. Many experts have weighed in with ways to address this issue. A December 10 collection of the top clinician wellness stories published by HealthLeaders recently published.

Several valuable strategies were shared in the round-up, including a story on how healthcare leaders should avoid a culture of silence and shame when it comes to physician burnout and mental health. Experts quoted in the story suggested that leaders should embrace a culture where “it is OK for physicians to not be OK.” This work in practice can include leaders and physicians sharing personal stories about their struggles.

A separate story on how to help clinicians heal from burnout suggested that leaders normalize discussions about physician burnout and mental health in meetings such as medical executive committee meetings.

Documentation burden solutions were also discussed to address clinician burnout. For example, one story covered how AI scribes can help decrease physician burnout. Cited data from a study within the ambulatory care setting demonstrated how implementing AI scribes reduced clinician burnout from 51.9% to 38.8%.

The round-up concluded with a quick slideshow teasing four tips for addressing mental health needs of physicians, including the need to engage physician leaders who can help identify doctors who are experiencing mental health issues and direct them to support and resources. The final tip: “leaders should not view efforts to boost physician well-being as optional.”