The study explored job stress, burnout, work-life balance, well-being, and job satisfaction among pathology residents and fellows. The aims were to examine the prevalence and sources of stress and burnout, as well as identify resources to promote work-life balance and well-being and prevent burnout.
The study used a cross-sectional survey deployed online to a large national sample of pathology residents and fellows.
Job stress and burnout were prevalent, with more than a third of the respondents reporting that they were currently experiencing burnout. The respondents, particularly residents, were struggling with academics, and higher percentages were struggling with work-life balance and emotional well-being. Overall, the majority of respondents who rated their work-life balance indicated that it was poor or fair. Among the factors contributing to job stress and burnout and detracting from work-life balance, workload was the leading factor.
The factors contributing to job stress and burnout included organizational factors such as workload, value, and aspects of the learning environment, as well as personal factors such as work-life integration. One of the overarching implications is the need to address a range of interdependent considerations in designing resources to reduce job stress, promote work-life balance, and prevent burnout.