Beyond physician burnout: keys to effective emotional management
Sotile, W.M.; Sotile, M.O.
Journal of Medical Practice Management Mpm 18(6): 314-318
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 8755-0229 PMID: 12889442 Document Number: 560115
Mismanagement of the complex emotions and work/life balancing challenges that come with a medical career is a risk factor that tends to go unaddressed in today's medical workplace. Visionary medical leaders recognize this dilemma and become ambassadors of effective emotional management (EEM) for physicians. EEM is a model for promoting stress resilience through management of personality-based stress reactions and the interpersonal consequences that come with coping habits. This article summarizes research that has shown how EEM affects physician, patient, and organizational functioning. It is proposed that training in EEM can serve as both the palliative and prophylactic intervention for physician distress, burnout, and the organizational problems it can cause. Taxonomy for assessing burnout is specified, and the special coping risks that come in the wake of malpractice litigation are discussed. Specific strategies from promoting EEM are detailed.