Drivers of distress and well-being amongst pediatric surgeons

Introduction: Although pediatric surgeons have lower rates of burnout compared to other surgical subspecialists, they still struggle with work-home conflict, depersonalization, and emotional exhaustion. Prior surveys have measured career satisfaction and burnout, but none have identified factors that contribute to physician well-being or provided potential solutions.

Methods: Members of the American Pediatric Surgical Association were surveyed regarding sources of distress and institutional practices intended to promote well-being. Responses were analyzed using content analysis.

Results: There was a 31.5% response rate to the survey. The most frequently cited sources of distress were administrative issues (45.2%), work/life balance (42.3%), personal issues (18.8%), and relationships with coworkers (17.9%). In open-ended questions, other sources of distress included poor leadership, loss of autonomy, lack of support and mentorship, and patient complications. Successful wellness strategies included relief from clinical burden, substantive wellness programming, surgeon inclusion in administrative decision making, support after adverse events, appropriate compensation and benefits, and opportunities for career development in research, teaching, and clinical care.

Conclusion: Pediatric surgeons are affected by multiple sources of distress. Interventions that ameliorate stress in pediatric surgeons were identified and should be considered by local institutions and national organizations to promote well-being.

Level of evidence: n/a.