To examine burnout among sexual minority emergency medicine (EM) residents while controlling for individual and program characteristics.
Approach:
Study Design: Cross-sectional study utilizing survey data from the 2024 In-Training Exam (ITE) postexamination survey developed by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM).
Participants: 9478 active EM residents completed the ITE and postexamination survey, with analysis including those who answered questions about sexual orientation.
Burnout Assessment: Burnout was assessed using a 6-item abbreviated Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), measuring internal and external burnout.
Key Findings:
Burnout prevalence in EM residents is high, with previous studies indicating rates as high as 76.1% (source needed).
Sexual minority trainees reported higher burnout in previous studies, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.47 (source needed).
The intersection of EM's demanding environment and unique stressors faced by sexual minorities may amplify burnout risk (source needed).
Interpretation:
Understanding the unique stressors faced by sexual minority EM residents is crucial for addressing their well-being and burnout risk.
Limitations:
The survey did not include questions about gender identity related to sex assigned at birth, limiting analysis on transgender and gender nonconforming individuals.
The study is based on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.
Conclusion:
The study highlights the need for further investigation into burnout among sexual minority EM residents to inform support and intervention strategies.
