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Stress management in the OR takes practice, but is trainable

Healio Optometry6d ago1 min read

NEW ORLEANS — In the high-stakes environment of ocular surgery, stress management is a trainable skill that can be improved with strategic planning and practice, according to a speaker.At the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, Erin S. Seefeldt, MD, an ophthalmologist and founder of Physician Performance Lab, highlighted the scope of burnout among physicians. A survey of 592 participants found that 37% of U.S. ophthalmologists reported burnout symptoms, which can serve as a career-ending factor for a number of clinicians. However, Seefeldt said that combatting it is practical.“This

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AI Summary

Quick Take

At the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, Dr. Erin S. Seefeldt reported that 37% of U.S. ophthalmologists experience burnout, a figure that highlights the urgent need for better mental health strategies. She emphasized that stress management in the operating room is not an innate trait but a trainable skill that can be improved through strategic planning and deliberate practice.

Why It Matters

Burnout has become a significant threat to the ophthalmology workforce, acting as a career-ending factor for a substantial portion of the profession. In the high-stakes environment of ocular surgery, where precision is critical, the ability to manage physiological and psychological stress is as vital as technical surgical skill. Reframing stress management as a practical, improvable proficiency offers a roadmap for clinicians to extend their careers and maintain high standards of patient care.

Key Findings

A survey of 592 participants found that 37% of U.S. ophthalmologists report symptoms of burnout.
Burnout is identified as a primary career-ending factor for many clinicians in the field.
Stress management in the surgical environment is a trainable skill rather than a fixed personality trait.
Strategic planning and practice are the primary methods suggested for improving performance under pressure in the OR.

Study Snapshot

Design

Survey

Population

U.S. ophthalmologists

Sample Size

592 participants

Practice Implications

Clinicians should treat stress management as a technical skill that requires dedicated training time outside of active surgery. Practice owners and surgical leads should consider incorporating strategic stress-reduction planning into their routine to mitigate the risk of burnout and improve surgical team performance.

Who's Affected

OphthalmologistsOcular SurgeonsPractice OwnersSurgical Staff

Evidence StrengthModerate

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