Episode 13: Changing the System That Destroys Careers — Diane Shannon, MD

The stresses and strains of medical practice burned out Dr. Diane Shannon to the point where she left clinical practice and reinvented herself as a medical writer. She shares her moving, cautionary tale with Marie Curious, explaining to her that medical practice was not what she had expected it to be. She found it to be so chaotic and stressful that it was taking a serious toll on her physical and emotional health. It also detracted from her capacity to sustain healthy relationships. Since leaving the practice of medicine, Diane’s research and writing have led her to the conclusion that her personal crisis had multiple causes: her inability to adequately handle pressure, stress and frustration at work; the lack of organizational support for her and other physicians; and, the bevy of system-wide regulations and requirements that have culminated in the dehumanization of the role of the physician. Diane believes that some leading edge organizations are instituting meaningful changes in processes, culture and leadership that are just beginning to move the needle on physician burnout. Diane gives Marie advice about having effective discussions with leaders and managers about the linkages between physician well-being, patient satisfaction, and organizational success.  She also shares some personal survival strategies with Marie, including informal peer-to-peer support groups.