The Vascular Surgery Subspecialty Team dives into the pressing issue of burnout among vascular surgery trainees. Unveiling surprising statistics and expert insights, they explore the alarming prevalence of burnout, its causes like work-home conflict and physical discomfort, and the protective role of mentorship and a supportive learning environment. With research-backed discussions, they navigate strategies to combat burnout and enhance the well-being of medical professionals.

Dr. Bobby Beaulieu is an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Michigan and the Program Director of the Integrated Vascular Surgery Residency Program as well as the Vascular Surgery Fellowship Program at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Frank Davis is an Assistant Professor of Vascular Surgery at the University of Michigan

Dr. Drew Braet is a PGY-5 Integrated Vascular Surgery Resident at the University of Michigan

-  Review the definition and prevalence of burnout

- Understand the risk factors, including both modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, for burnout 

- Review the effects of burnout on trainees and attending surgeons

1.    Hekman KE, Sullivan BP, Bronsert M, Chang KZ, Reed A, Velazquez-Ramirez G, Wohlauer MV; Association of Program Directors in Vascular Surgery Issues Committee. Modifiable risk factors for burnout in vascular surgery trainees. J Vasc Surg. 2021 Jun;73(6):2155-2163.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2020.12.064. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33675887/

2.    Cui CL, Reilly MA, Pillado EB, Li RD, Eng JS, Grafmuller LE, DiLosa KL, Conway AM, Escobar GA, Shaw PM, Hu YY, Bilimoria KY, Sheahan MG 3rd, Coleman DM. Burnout is not associated with trainee performance on the Vascular Surgery In-Training Exam. J Vasc Surg. 2025 Jan;81(1):243-249.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.08.057.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39233022/

3.    Chia MC, Hu YY, Li RD, Cheung EO, Eng JS, Zhan T, Sheahan MG 3rd, Bilimoria KY, Coleman DM. Prevalence and risk factors for burnout in U.S. vascular surgery trainees. J Vasc Surg. 2022 Jan;75(1):308-315.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.06.476. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34298120/

4.    Davila VJ, Meltzer AJ, Hallbeck MS, Stone WM, Money SR. Physical discomfort, professional satisfaction, and burnout in vascular surgeons. J Vasc Surg. 2019 Sep;70(3):913-920.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2018.11.026. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31279532/

5.    Pillado E, Li RD, Chia MC, Eng JS, DiLosa K, Grafmuller L, Conway A, Escobar GA, Shaw P, Sheahan MG 3rd, Bilimoria KY, Hu YY, Coleman DM. Reported pain at work is a risk factor for vascular surgery trainee burnout. J Vasc Surg. 2024 May;79(5):1217-1223. doi: 10.1016/j.jvs.2024.01.003. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38215953/

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