DocTalks podcast: Burnout and COVID-19 - Warning signs and when to act

As doctors across BC try to meet the unprecedented demands that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on them, reports of physician burnout are increasing. But what does burnout actually look like? How do you recognize the early warning signs so you can take steps to prevent it? And where do doctors go for help?

In this episode of DocTalks, psychiatrist Dr Jennifer Russel and family doctor Dr Lawrence Yang share their perspectives about how burnout affects doctors, how to recognize it, and what steps to take to minimize the impact. From personal coping strategies, to implementing leadership and QI methodology, and advocating for system-wide enhancements, our guests share what methods they’ve adopted – both in their personal and professional lives – to stay well, and what supports are available to doctors that can really made a difference.

Available for download on all podcast platforms or click here to listen.

Interested in this interview, but don’t have time to listen to the podcast? A summary of the conversation can be found here.

Links to resources mentioned in this episode are below:

Physician Health Program

• 24 hour confidential helpline: 1-800-663-6729

Physician Peer Support Sessions

• For more info contact: View Email Addresspeersupport@physicianhealth.com

Doctors of BC Physician Burden policy paper

Canadian Medical Protection Association

Physician Quality Improvement

Sauder School of Business: Physician Leadership Program

GPSC Leadership and Management Training

Practice Support Program