In this episode of Between Two White Coats, Dr. Michelle Plaster, NP Amber Foster, and our guest, Dr. Sammy Chang, tackle a critical issue: workplace burnout. Dr. Chang, a former ER doctor, shares his journey from experiencing extreme stress in emergency medicine to realizing he needed a healthier work-life balance for himself and his family. Together, they break down what burnout is, identifying it as a cycle where professionals never get to fully release stress, leading to feelings of dread, anger, and emotional exhaustion.

This episode dives into the science behind burnout, explaining it as a prolonged "fight-or-flight" response that never finds resolution. They discuss how this impacts healthcare workers especially, who often shift from crisis to crisis without a pause, but also explore how burnout affects many professions. Dr. Plaster and Amber highlight symptoms like frustration, lack of joy, and difficulty separating work from personal life, pointing out that recognizing burnout is a first step to recovery.

Dr. Chang’s story provides a compelling look at how recognizing burnout can lead to necessary change, offering hope for those feeling trapped by stress. This episode is the first in a three-part series, setting the stage for practical advice on managing burnout and reclaiming balance in upcoming episodes. Tune in to learn more about the signs of burnout and find encouragement to take control of your well-being.

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