AMA STEPS Forward®

Pearl of the Week: Normalize taking time away from work

A culture of self-sacrifice contributes to burnout

| 1 Min Read
STEPS Forward Pearl of the Week

The professional culture of medicine has historically rewarded self-sacrifice and constant accessibility. This mindset pressures physicians into replying to messages during vacations or, even worse, not taking all the paid time off allotted in their contract.

Health care leaders can model how to change this culture by taking time off themselves and completely unplugging while they’re away. The organization can, in turn, respect a physician’s time off by implementing respectful email etiquette.

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