Clinical Scorecard: Burnout Experiences in Sexual Minority Emergency Medicine Residents: Validating Existing Knowledge in an Unwelcoming Environment

At a Glance

Key Highlights

• Sexual minority EM residents report higher burnout than heterosexual peers.
• Bisexual and queer residents show particularly elevated burnout risk.
• Burnout disparities persist from medical school into residency.
• Economic costs of physician burnout estimated at $7600 per physician annually.
• Diversity in the physician workforce is crucial for improving care access for marginalized populations.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

• Use the abbreviated Copenhagen Burnout Inventory for assessing burnout.

Management

• Implement mentorship programs and affinity groups for sexual minority residents.
• Establish visible role models and antidiscrimination policies.

Monitoring & Follow-up

• Regularly assess burnout levels among residents, particularly in vulnerable subgroups.

Risks

• Increased turnover and reduced clinical hours due to burnout.
• Potential loss of sexual minority physicians impacting patient care access.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Sexual and gender minority patients in emergency care settings.

Diverse physician workforce improves access and outcomes for marginalized patient populations.

Clinical Best Practices

• Support structural interventions to mitigate minority stress in residency programs.
• Advocate for the preservation of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in medical education.

Related Resources & Content

• Rudolph et al. Study
• Streed et al. Study
• Samuels et al. Study
• Heiderscheit et al. Study
• Han et al. Economic Impact Study