Burnout in sickle cell disease–focused hematology-oncology–trained physicians: a national cross-sectional study

Burnout is associated with physician attrition, medical errors, and decreased productivity. Around 45% of hematology-oncology physicians in the United States report burnout. However, burnout rates among hematologist-oncologists specializing in sickle cell disease (SCD) are unknown. The complex, high-acuity nature of SCD along with systemic barriers may put SCD providers at high risk. We compared burnout prevalence between SCD and non–SCD physicians. We conducted a nationwide survey of US hematology-oncology physicians assessing burnout, grit, resilience, and career characteristics. Respondents self-identified as SCD focused (n = 55) or non–SCD focused (n = 104). Between-group comparisons used χ²/Fisher exact tests and t tests/Mann-Whitney U tests. Logistic regression evaluated confounders. Burnout was more prevalent among SCD physicians than non–SCD-focused physicians (60% vs 44%, P = .046), despite similar grit and resilience. Work hours were similar between groups, but SCD physicians participated less in recreational activities (45% vs 59% ≥2 times per week, P = .006), expressed less job pride (47% vs 65% strongly agreed, P = .031), and were more likely to earn <$350 000 annually (64% vs 40%, P = .005). They also had more years in practice and more often worked in academia or leadership roles (all P < .05). Recreation and job pride mediated burnout in SCD physicians. SCD physicians experience higher burnout than non–SCD physicians in the overall field of hematology-oncology, despite comparable grit and resilience. Less recreation and job pride may affect burnout in SCD physicians. This suggests that higher burnout in SCD physicians may be driven by systemic factors that disproportionately affect those who care for persons with SCD.