Physician Burnout Rates Continue to Decline, Yet Gender Gap Persists

Strategic Insights -

Physician burnout rates have been steadily decreasing in the U.S. over the past few years, with the latest data showing a significant drop from 53% in 2022 to 43.2% in 2024. However, the gender gap in burnout rates remains, with women physicians experiencing burnout at a rate of 47.2%, compared to 38.9% for their male counterparts. This disparity highlights the ongoing challenges faced by women in medicine, particularly in terms of workload, workplace culture, and work-life balance pressures.

Key Takeaways:

  • The percentage of physicians experiencing burnout decreased from 53% in 2022 to 43.2% in 2024.
  • Women physicians are more likely to experience burnout, with 47.2% reporting symptoms, compared to 38.9% of men.
  • Women physicians are also less likely to feel valued, with 51.6% reporting that they feel valued, compared to 58.2% of men.
  • Job stress is a significant concern for women physicians, with 49.9% reporting that they feel a great deal of job stress, compared to 40.2% of men.
  • Despite the gender gap, 77.4% of women and men physicians reported feeling satisfied with their jobs, up from 71.7% and 73.9% respectively in 2023.
  • 29.1% of women physicians reported intending to leave their current roles, compared to 32.7% of men.
  • Innovative health systems, such as Washington Permanente Medical Group, Privia Health, and Sutter Health, are working to reduce burnout rates and improve well-being among physicians.

Statistics:

  • 43.2% of physicians reported experiencing burnout in 2024, representing a decrease from 53% in 2022.
  • Women physicians were more likely to experience burnout, with 47.2% reporting symptoms, compared to 38.9% of men.
  • 51.6% of women physicians reported feeling valued, compared to 58.2% of men.
  • 49.9% of women physicians reported feeling a great deal of job stress, compared to 40.2% of men.
  • 77.4% of women and men physicians reported feeling satisfied with their jobs, representing a significant increase from 2023.

Sources:

  • American Medical Association (AMA). (2025). Exclusive AMA survey shows that less than half of women physicians report burnout.
  • AMA. (2024). National physician comparison report.
  • Washington Permanente Medical Group. (n.d.). Using AI to Support Physician Well-being.
  • Privia Health. (n.d.). Helping Physicians in Private Practice Reclaim Autonomy.
  • Sutter Health. (n.d.). Taking Seven Steps to Improve Physician Well-being.
  • Atlantic Health System. (n.d.). Embracing Physician Work Groups to Improve Well-being.
  • AMA. (2024). Joy in Medicine magazine.