Occupation-Related Stress Affecting Physicians Caring for Patients with Renal Disease

There has been special interest in the mental health of patients living with chronic illnesses such as renal failure. However, there has been less focus on the mental health of nephrology fellows and other physicians caring for these complex patients. Moreover, most of the literature to date has examined occupation-related stress for renal care nurses rather than for physicians. As such, this chapter aims to review the concept of physician burnout, its measurement, and how it relates to the nephrology workforce. Factors that contribute to burnout will be addressed as well as their effects on physician wellness, patient care, and health systems. Finally, strategies at the individual, organizational, and systemic levels will be discussed with the goal of optimizing physician wellness by promoting cultural change.