Using Medical Ethics to Prevent Burnout in O&P

In my 40-year O&P career, I practiced in several hospital-based and private facilities. Some of those years overlapped with my 20 years as an adjunct instructor of philosophy where I taught medical ethics. I recently read an article that touched on both of my occupations and brought to mind what we’ve been hearing about the rise in burnout in O&P professionals.

The author described how outdated business and medical models have caused healthcare professionals to accept unrealistic expectations and to work in “a culture of silent suffering,” and suggested reshaping our approach to medical practice so that it’s fulfilling and sustainable.