The 4 Factors Contributing to Physician Burnout in Oncology

The demands of oncology practice can contribute to burnout in ways that extend beyond clinical workload. In an interview with Targeted Oncology™, Marcus Neubauer, MD, of The US Oncology Network, discusses findings from a survey of more than 200 physicians examining the factors contributing to burnout among providers across the network.

Four factors emerged from the physician responses: electronic medical record (EMR) burden, leadership issues, difficulty disconnecting from work during time off, and insufficient attention to self-care. Electronic medical record (EMR)-related tasks, including documentation and chart preparation, can extend into physicians’ personal time, while gaps in communication, mentoring, and recognition can contribute to feeling undervalued. The inability to fully disconnect during vacation or PTO may also prevent physicians from adequately recharging.

The findings highlight that addressing burnout requires more than individual wellness strategies. Reducing administrative burden, strengthening leadership and communication, supporting time away from work, and prioritizing physician well-being may all play a role in creating a more sustainable oncology practice.