A Review of Burnout in Medical School Professors

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to promote an enhanced understanding of burnout among medical school professors by reviewing the literature on burnout in domestic and international medical professors, and to seek measures to prevent burnout. To this end, the general concept of burnout and the physical, cognitive, psychological, social, and behavioral symptoms that result from burnout were explained. In addition, the causes and results of high burnout among medical school professors were summarized in terms of demographic characteristics and the duties of educators, researchers, and physicians, and measures to prevent burnout in medical school professors were divided into individual and organizational levels. In order to prevent burnout among medical school professors, sensitive interest in themselves and self-reflection are required at the personal level. At the organizational level, it is necessary to regularly monitor burnout among medical school professors, improve systems, encourage participation in the policy-making process, and develop customized education programs. At the social level, it is necessary to recognize that burnout of medical school professors is a social problem, for which further research is needed. Therefore, in order for medical school professors not to burn out, there must be appropriate interactions among the individuals, organizations, and society, and the consistent attention should be paid to this issue.