Introduction to the Wellness Mini-series. Burnout, Disengagement, and Other Psychological Quagmires: It's Not All in Your Head

Abstract

Surgery is a state of mind. The brain controls the hands. As a result, "technical skills" are more mental than technical. In fact, physician burnout and poor well-being are independent predictors of major medical errors. Part of becoming a better surgeon is caring for one's mind, and making sure one's brain is healthy and happy. Therefore, the reader of this mini-series should read every article with the perspective that it can (and will) make them a better physician and surgeon. In this mini-series, 45 unique authors and 2 expert discussants compiled a comprehensive, evidence-based resource on physician wellness, including topics such as wellness during residency, oral board examination and every other career stage, the interface between work life and home life, physical well-being, self-awareness, mindfulness, mentorship, and dealing with aging parents and microaggressions. This mini-series truly covers the entire spectrum of physician wellness. In this article, I will provide a brief introduction to some important concepts, and the subsequent articles in the mini-series will go into much more practical detail.