NASHVILLE, TENN. – For the first time in four years, the physician burnout rate has dropped below 50% nationwide, marking a pivotal moment in an ongoing epidemic among health care professionals.

Following record-high rates of burnout throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the significant milestone reflects a cultural and organizational shift which has prioritized physician well-being to improve job satisfaction and reduce turnover. The American Medical Association (AMA) estimates that physician burnout can cost an organization upward of $1 million per doctor, and results in indirect costs such as medical errors, higher malpractice risk and reduced patient satisfaction.

The Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) has made physician wellness a priority issue since 2023, working to destigmatize mental health treatment and improve system-level drivers of burnout. This year, the association successfully advocated for passage of the Tennessee Wellness Law which makes physician communications with a therapist confidential for purposes of licensure, credentialing and employment interviews. 

“Our wellness bill was an important step in the right direction,” said TMA President and pediatrician from Gray, Tenn., Landon Combs, MD. “Before it was passed, physicians had to disclose whether they received treatment for burnout just to serve in insurance networks or have hospital privileges. Essentially, admitting that we needed help could cost us our license or our career.”

In addition to legislative advocacy, the TMA created a resource center to connect physicians with available programs and services to combat burnout and prevent mental health crises before they occur. This includes promotion of the state’s physician health program, the Tennessee Medical Foundation, which offers confidential support to health care professionals who are dealing with potentially impairing health conditions, in addition to resources available through regional wellness programs such as Thrive in Memphis, Prosper in Nashville, LifeBridge in Chattanooga and Vitality in Knoxville. For those who find themselves in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, the TMA promotes the 988 lifeline as a free and confidential counseling tool.

"As healthcare providers, we are often the first line of defense for individuals in crisis,” State Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, MD said. “The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a vital resource that can make a life-saving difference for those struggling with mental health challenges. By actively promoting 988 in our practices, we empower our patients and their loved ones with immediate access to support when they need it most. Something simple like, ‘Call 988 if you are having a mental health emergency,’ added to a practice’s recorded inbound or outbound phone system messages can help get the word out. Together, we can help ensure that no one faces a crisis alone."

Sept. 17 has been recognized as National Physician Suicide Awareness Day; an event meant to highlight the mental health challenges physicians face and the high rates of suicide among the profession. More than half of physicians know a physician who has either considered, attempted or died by suicide in their career, and it is estimated that a million American patients lose their physician to suicide each year. Tennesseans cannot afford to lose even one physician to suicide.

While Tennessee ranks 35th nationally in terms of physician burnout rates, the problem still persists and requires continued efforts to ensure doctors receive the support they need to remain healthy and practice medicine safely. The TMA is committed to identifying solutions and interventions that enable doctors to seek out help before it becomes life-threatening.

“We must continue to build upon successes like the Tennessee Wellness Law to reduce occupational stigma and protect our colleagues from suicide,” said Combs.

The Tennessee Medical Association is a nonprofit professional organization for Tennessee physicians. TMA represents more than 10,000 Tennessee physicians and physicians-in-training. The organization advocates for public policies, laws and rules that promote healthcare safety and quality for all Tennesseans and improve the non-clinical aspects of practicing medicine. Learn more at tnmed.org.

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