Burnout Brass Tax w Rob Orman
Contributor: Jason Hine MD
Guest: Rob Orman MD
In this podcast episode, Jason Hine speaks with Rob Orman, a renowned emergency physician and coach, about his career transition from emergency medicine to physician coaching. They discuss Orman’s own struggles with burnout and how he now helps other physicians navigate similar challenges. The conversation covers preventive measures for burnout, effective communication with hospital administrators, strategies for self-care before, during, and after shifts, and the importance of task management. Orman emphasizes the need for personalization and intentional strategies in preventing burnout and promoting resiliency among emergency clinicians.
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Navigating Burnout in Emergency Medicine: Insights from Rob Orman
Burnout in the medical field, particularly within emergency medicine, is a pervasive challenge. In a recent episode of the SimKit podcast, Jason Hine sat down with Dr. Rob Orman, an expert in physician coaching and burnout prevention, to discuss strategies for resilience and wellness in the high-pressure environment of emergency medicine. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Orman shared insights into how clinicians and administrators can work together to combat burnout.
The Journey of a Medical Educator and Coach
Dr. Orman’s journey from an emergency physician to a leader in medical education and resilience coaching is rooted in his personal experience with burnout. Initially, the stressors of emergency medicine took a toll, leading him to explore medical education, and eventually coaching. His path highlights the shifting dynamics and pressures within emergency medicine, serving as both a cautionary tale and a beacon for others navigating similar transitions.
Addressing Burnout: The Role of Administrators
When discussing solutions, Dr. Orman emphasized the importance of administrative engagement and understanding the frontline realities. One of his key recommendations for hospital administrations is a proactive inquiry into the stress points of their staff. By actively involving clinicians in conversations about what is working and what isn’t, administrators can take tangible steps toward creating supportive environments.
He recounted a study involving two hospitals—one that actively engaged with its frontline staff and another that did not. The hospital that prioritized communication and responsiveness saw more satisfied and resilient staff, whereas the other faced staff dissatisfaction and even strikes.
Empowering Clinicians: Strategies for Individual Resilience
For individual clinicians, Dr. Orman stressed the importance of mastering taking breaks, effectively managing schedules, and understanding personal triggers and stressors. Through micro-recalibration, physicians can realign their workflows to better suit their needs and sustain their careers.
Pre-Shift Preparation
Preparing mentally and physically before a shift is crucial. Dr. Orman suggests that clinicians should consider how they want to show up at work and build a routine that supports that goal. This might include listening to music, engaging in mindfulness exercises, or consuming educational content to prime the mind for the challenges ahead.
In-Shift Strategies
During shifts, environmental control, such as setting up an efficient work area and managing alarms and notifications, can significantly impact stress levels. Dr. Orman also highlights the importance of taking intentional breaks to recharge, focusing on hydration, nutrition, and momentary disengagement from clinical tasks.
Post-Shift Decompression
Transitioning from a clinical to a personal role is often difficult due to residual stress. Dr. Orman recommends a structured “Driveway Debrief” to help process the day’s events and cultivate a reflective mindset. This involves breathing exercises, thoughtful reflection on the shift, and recognizing both successes and areas for improvement. This practice helps clinicians disengage from their professional roles and arrive home ready to engage in their personal lives.
Traits of a Burnout-Resistant Clinician
Towards the end of the podcast, Dr. Orman painted a picture of the ideal, “fireproof” clinician. They are someone who:
-adapts to challenges
-communicates effectively
-manages documentation efficiently
-and maintains personal boundaries while on and off the clock.
They are mindful of task saturation and adept at internal triage, prioritizing self-care and maintaining a balanced inner dialogue.
Resources
- Rob Orman has the Driveway Debrief which clinicians can use after shift to help with the transition from EM craziness to home life… well, whatever your home life is like 😉 Find it HERE
- We have created an infographic for
