The study, which included more than 500 participants aged 24–60, found that burnout among physicians is not a marginal phenomenon and ranges from moderate to high levels across all professional groups, regardless of specialization, gender or seniority.

“The most strongly marked area turned out to be burnout in relationships with patients - frustration associated with these relationships and the feeling of exhaustion in contact with patients are statistically the most important components of the entire burnout picture. The results indicate a sequence: first there is fatigue in the relationship with the patient, then exhaustion with work as a system, and finally - personal burnout,” the Wielkopolska Medical Chamber reported.

Researchers found that women were more affected across all dimensions of burnout, including personal, professional and patient-related exhaustion. The highest overall levels of burnout were recorded among resident doctors, while the lowest were found among doctors in training. Dentists reported the highest levels of burnout specifically in patient relationships.

Burnout among doctors was assessed using standardized tools, including the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and questionnaires measuring loneliness, coping strategies and professional self-esteem. The analysis was conducted during the 2025/2026 academic year.

According to Mateusz Szulca, MD, president of the District Medical Council of the Wielkopolska Medical Chamber, the findings reflect systemic pressures affecting medical practice.

“Unfortunately, we are in a situation where, on the one hand, we have doctors who are frustrated with working conditions - the amount of bureaucracy, various limitations and shortcomings. On the other hand, there are patients who are equally frustrated with the system and direct their dissatisfaction towards doctors,” he said.

The study also found that age and personal circumstances influence burnout levels. Older physicians showed slightly lower levels of relational burnout, while longer professional experience correlated with reduced personal and professional burnout, particularly among men. Doctors in stable relationships reported higher well-being than single respondents.

Systemic fatigue related to workload and working conditions was found to be high across all groups, regardless of gender.

Psychiatrist Anna Rewekant, MD, who works with the Wielkopolska Medical Chamber, said awareness of the issue is increasing.

When the Chamber announced a burnout prevention year in 2025, doctors and dentists began increasingly seeking psychological support, and a dedicated support group was established.

The full research results are expected to be published later this year. (PAP)

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