Clinical gastroenterology and hepatology : the official clinical practice journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
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Physician burnout is an under-recognized and under-reported problem. Characterized by a state of mental exhaustion, depersonalization, and a decreased sense of personal accomplishment, burnout may affect more than 60% of family practice providers and at least one third of gastroenterologists. ⋯ If properly recognized, appropriate treatments are available. This article presents a case study of a physician suffering from burnout, reviews how burnout is defined, identifies those providers at greatest risk, discusses root causes, and outlines a treatment program.