Reshaping the residency environment to enhance education and mitigate burnout

Abstract

Burnout remains a widespread issue in graduate medical education, with current trends to mitigate burnout shifting toward institutional systematic interventions as opposed to personal individual interventions. In this article, we propose utilizing Knowle’s adult learning theory in conjunction with Maslach’s organizational context for burnout to implement systemic changes within the postgraduate training environment that we posit would both optimize the learning experience and reduce the incidence of burnout.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Dr. B. Lee Ligon of Center for Research, Innovation, and Scholarship, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, for editorial assistance.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Linessa M. Zuniga

Linessa M. Zuniga, MD, attended Baylor College of Medicine where she also completed her residency in Pediatrics and a Chief Resident year. She is currently an academic general pediatric fellow with Baylor and is pursuing a master’s in education. Her general research interests include resident education and prevention of resident burnout.

Charlene M. Dewey

Charlene M. Dewey, MD, MEd, MACP, is the Assistant Dean for Educator Development and Professor of Medical Education and Administration, Professor of Medicine and Public Health at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. She co-directs the Center for Professional Health and is chair of the Faculty Wellness Committee where she designs and develops physician wellness programs and materials.

Teri L. Turner

Teri L. Turner, MD, MEd, MPH, is the Vice Chair of Education and Director for the Center for Research, Innovation, and Scholarship in Medical Education, Department of Pediatrics. She previously co-directed the Master Teacher Fellowship Program and is a past chair of the Academy of Distinguished Educators for Baylor College of Medicine.