Nizar Ramzan MD, Arizona Gastrointestinal Associates, Phoenix:
- Administrative burden imposed by health insurance companies and regulatory agencies.
- Human resource problems and the practice of defensive medicine due to malpractice threats.
- Cumulative effect of these factors leading to burnout and eventual exit from medicine.
Pooja Singhal, MD, SSM Health, St Louis, Mo.:
- Higher demands of productivity and annual cuts by insurance companies for procedure reimbursements.
- Lack of autonomy and job satisfaction, impacting personal life sacrifices.
- Sustainability of job depends on feeling a sense of purpose and maintenance of autonomy.
- Unique challenges faced by women gastroenterologists, such as ergonomic-related injuries and fertility issues, contributing to decision to leave or take prolonged leave.
Collective Action Needed:
- Recognition of key issues affecting physicians and collaborative efforts to find solutions.
- Encouragement of diversity and inclusion in the field to address unique challenges faced by all practitioners.