Role of a Pediatric Department Chair: Factors Leading to Satisfaction and Burnout

Objective To determine factors associated with satisfaction and burnout in pediatric department chairs. Study design A 1-time online survey of 250 current and former pediatric chairs who were members of Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs anytime between 1993 and 2005. The ques...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of pediatrics 2007-10, Vol.151 (4), p.425-430
Main Authors: McPhillips, Heather A., MD, MPH, Stanton, Bonita, MD, Zuckerman, Barry, MD, Stapleton, F. Bruder, MD
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biological and medical sciences
Burnout, Professional - prevention & control
Burnout, Professional - psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Faculty
Female
General aspects
Humans
Job Satisfaction
Logistic Models
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Pediatrics
Pediatrics - education
Physician Executives
Professional Autonomy
Risk Factors
Social Support
United States
Workload
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Summary:Objective To determine factors associated with satisfaction and burnout in pediatric department chairs. Study design A 1-time online survey of 250 current and former pediatric chairs who were members of Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs anytime between 1993 and 2005. The questionnaire included demographics, satisfaction levels, stress experienced, and time spent on various work activities. We also included the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey and the abbreviated Workplace Climate Questionnaire. Burnout was defined as high scores on the depersonalization or emotional exhaustion subscales of the Maslach Burnout Inventory—Human Services Survey. Results Our response rate was 62%; most chairs (65%) reported being very satisfied with their job. Approximately 30% of chairs for 5 years ( P < .05). Factors associated with burnout included years as chair (odds ratio [OR], 0.9; 95% CI, 0.80-0.99), >1 night worked per week (OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.5-22.9), high workload (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3-6.7), and lack of supportive work environment (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.1-4.2). Conclusion Steps should be taken to decrease burnout in chairs, including policies that promote physician well being as integral to successful departments.
ISSN:0022-3476
1097-6833
DOI:10.1016/j.jpeds.2007.03.016