Physicians who identify as LGBTQ+ are at an increased risk of burnout

Today, physician burnout is at an all-time high. The AMA reports that 62.8% of physicians experienced symptoms of burnout in 2021, up from 38.2% the prior year.^[] The AMA acknowledges that physician burnout isn’t exclusively caused by poor work-life balance, but rather by issues including administrative burdens, political attacks on medical science, and inadequate practice support.^[]

Burnout affects each physician differently based on factors such as age, race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. 

Microaggressions in the workplace

One of the most common forms of discrimination experienced by LGBTQ+ physicians comes in the form of microaggressions, described as verbal or behavioral indignities. Research has shown that experiencing microaggressions can negatively affect psychological health.^[]

Adam Brown, MD, MBA, is a board-certified emergency physician; the founder of ABIG, a leading healthcare advisory firm; and a gay, cis-gendered male. He tells MDLinx the most obvious and direct issues he’s faced working in emergency departments have been microaggressions from patients and co-workers.  

“I've had patients call me bigoted names and have also overheard co-workers discussing or joking about gays and lesbians and speaking about gay, lesbian, or trans patients negatively,” says Dr. Brown.

A 2023 survey conducted by Glassdoor found that 55% of LGBTQ+ employees overheard or were the subject of homophobic remarks by co-workers, indicating that workplace discrimination continues to exist, despite the implementation of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.^[] 

When an LGBTQ+ physician hears discriminatory and negative remarks, Dr. Brown says, it can lead to their feeling unwelcome and unsafe in their job.

“Often, LGBTQ+ individuals feel they must edit stories about their private lives when talking with co-workers,” Dr. Brown says. “For example, several patients and coworkers have asked about my wife. While the question seems benign, I find myself considering the ramifications of disclosing I've been with my husband for almost 17 years. Would co-workers or colleagues view me differently? Would a patient ask for a different clinician?“

Don Dizon, MD, FACP, FASCO, a professor of medicine at Brown University, has also experienced an assumption of sexuality among his colleagues. Dr. Dizon is the director of the pelvic malignancies program and hematology/oncology clinics at Lifespan Cancer Institute, and director of medical oncology and the oncology sexual health program at Rhode Island Hospital in Providence. 

“Those who don’t know me personally will ask if I’m married or inquire as to what my wife does for a living,” he says. “The assumption is even stronger when you have children.” 

Creating a supportive culture of inclusivity

Creating a culture of inclusivity is important, and Dr. Dizon says this can’t be accomplished by only requiring a few hours of diversity training.

“Exposure to different cultures and people is important to creating a workplace where everyone belongs,” Dr. Dizon says. "Inclusion efforts need to be embedded and sustained in an organization, starting by ensuring we have diversity in our ranks, not only as physicians, but as part of an entire medical team ranging from medical assistants to C-suite executives."

“This can be accomplished in part by creating no-tolerance policies against hate and bigotry, verbally embracing the LGBTQ community, and ensuring members of the leadership team reflect the community,” Dr. Brown says. “While these tactics do not solve the problem completely, they signal to LGBTQ+ individuals that the environment is safe and supportive.”

Championing resources that help with burnout

Dr. Brown says there are several resources that provide strategies to mitigate burnout that can be helpful to any clinician, whether or not they are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

“Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation offers evidence-based resources and system-based solutions for reducing the antecedents of burnout and caring for those with burnout,” he says. “For LGBTQ+ clinicians specifically, the GLMA (Gay and Lesbian Medical Association) and the AAFP (American Association of Family Practice) offer resources for both clinicians and patients.”

Becoming an ally 

Although Dr. Dizon says he’s heartened by the efforts of national organizations such as the American Society for Clinical Oncology, American Association for Cancer Research, and GLMA to ensure LGBTQ+ physicians are visible and to create a sense of belonging, he acknowledges more work needs to be done. 

While a recent survey by GLAAD shows that 9 out of 10 heterosexual Americans (91%) believe LGBTQ+ individuals should live without discrimination, and 84% support equal rights, the LGBTQ+ community continues to be targeted by a vocal fringe.^[] GLAAD documented a more than 300% increase in anti-LGBTQ incidents during the last year. The Human Rights Campaign says there have been over 525 state bills introduced this past year that attack the LGBTQ+ community.^[]

“By using inclusive language and becoming educated on issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, it’s possible to create a more inclusive and safe environment,” Dr. Brown says.