Burnout Experiences in Sexual Minority Emergency Medicine Residents

Overview

Rudolph et al. report that sexual minority emergency medicine residents experience significantly higher rates of burnout compared to their heterosexual peers.

Background

Burnout among physicians is a critical issue, particularly in high-stress specialties like emergency medicine. Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals face unique stressors in heteronormative environments, which can exacerbate burnout.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• Sexual minority EM residents reported significantly higher burnout rates than heterosexual peers.
• Burnout disparities persisted after adjusting for demographic factors.
• Bisexual and queer residents exhibited particularly elevated burnout risk.
• Prior studies corroborate that SGM individuals experience worse occupational well-being across medical training.
• Burnout among sexual minority physicians can lead to workforce attrition and reduced clinical engagement.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare institutions should consider implementing targeted interventions to support sexual minority residents and address burnout. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by these individuals is crucial for fostering a supportive training environment.

Conclusion

The findings from Rudolph et al. highlight burnout disparities among sexual minority emergency medicine residents.

Related Resources & Content

1. Rudolph et al., JAMA Network Open, 2023 -- Burnout Experiences in Sexual Minority Emergency Medicine Residents
2. Streed et al., JAMA Network Open, 2021 -- Academic Physician and Trainee Occupational Well-Being by Sexual and Gender Minority Status
3. Samuels et al., JAMA Network Open, 2021 -- Sexual Orientation–Related Discrimination Among LGB+ Medical Students With Disabilities
4. Heiderscheit et al., JAMA Surgery, 2021 -- Experiences of LGBTQ+ Residents in US General Surgery Training Programs
5. JAMA Network Open — Self-Reported Patient-Perpetrated Sexual Harassment Among the US Urological Workforce
6. Journal of General Internal Medicine — Resident Physicians’ Work-Related Emotional Experiences: A Scoping Review of Qualitative Research
7. conexiant — Burned Out, But Not Checking Out
8. Common Program Requirements
9. ACEP Professional Wellness Section
10. National Academies Press - Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience
11. All Info - S.266 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Reauthorization Act | Congress.gov | Library of Congress
12. Professional Coaching to Reduce Physician Burnout: A Randomized Clinical Trial - PubMed
13. Effectiveness of a mindfulness- and compassion-based online intervention for physician burnout: A randomized controlled trial with mediation and clinical outcome analyses - ScienceDirect
14. Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for Burnout in Physician Residents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials | JMA Journal
15. Burnout Among Sexual Minority Emergency Medicine Residents—Confirming What We Know in a Hostile Climate | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
16. Experiences of LGBTQ+ Residents in US General Surgery Training Programs | Medical Education and Training | JAMA Surgery | JAMA Network
17. Academic Physician and Trainee Occupational Well-Being by Sexual and Gender Minority Status | Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
18. Perceptions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion of LGB+ Faculty at U.S. Medical Schools | AAMC
19. Sex and Gender Minority | SAEM