CHRT’s Michigan Physician Survey shows Michigan primary care providers’ perspectives on burnout before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2,188 physicians provided their perspectives and the survey found that the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of burnout increased from 31 percent in 2018 to 40 percent in 2021. Further, 27 percent of all Michigan physicians agreed or somewhat agreed that COVID-19 and the pandemic have made them feel burned out and consider leaving medicine.

The pandemic has not only brought attention to the issue of physician mental health, but also offered insights into how to support health care workers during a crisis. In Michigan, the Michigan State Medical Society recently launched SafeHaven, a program designed to overcome barriers to seeking mental health care. The program gives physicians access to a number of convenient and confidential resources, including 24/7 telephonic support, counseling, and legal and financial consultations. Access to this and similar programs will be crucial both in the context and wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the
psychological distress and professional dissatisfaction caused by the pandemic are likely to have lingering consequences for the health care workforce