Burnout among the Directors of the Internal Medicine Residency Training Program in Saudi Arabia

Overview: Burnout and depression symptoms are extremely common among internal medicine physicians including program directors. Burnout is defined as work-related syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a sense of reduced personal accomplishment. Nearly 50% of physicians experience burnout. Hence, this increasing problem has a major impact on a director's physical and mental health, thereby not only causing danger to the physician's health but also affecting a patient's health and putting a strain on the healthcare system. Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from March 2018 to October 2019. There are more than 60 training centers offering internal medicine programs all around the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study was approved by the Quality Committee, which follows the Scientific Council for Internal Medicine at Saudi Commission of Health Specialties. All participants were informed about the study objectives and confidentiality of survey responses, and they provided informed consent. Results: Among 40 program directors who participated in this survey, (85%) were stressed out. Moreover, 27.5% expressed lack of support from the hospital's administration, 23.1% claimed that the department head interfered with the training process, 30% were frustrated with their uncooperative colleagues, and 82.5% denied receiving any financial benefit other than training allowance. Finally, 95% were satisfied with their performance as program directors. Conclusion: Similar to other physician groups, program directors experience burnout. Nevertheless, more studies should be conducted to better understand stress and its possible causes. Further, such investigations can help identify the reasons behind the lack of support, in addition to protection of program director's encouragement.