May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the mental well-being of all individuals, including those who care for others. Physicians in Indiana face unique challenges that impact their mental health, underscoring the need for systemic support and cultural change.

Physician Burnout 
A 2023 survey by the Indiana Hospital Association revealed that 64% of healthcare workers reported experiencing at least one symptom of burnout, such as emotional exhaustion or detachment from work. This statistic highlights the pressing need for interventions that address the root causes of burnout, including long hours, administrative burdens, and emotional strain from patient care.

Nationally, the most recent study by the American Medical Association in its national burnout survey series found that 45.2% of physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout in 2023 compared to 62.8% in 2021, 38.2% in 2020, 43.9% in 2017, 54.4% in 2014 and 45.5% in 2011. Despite the improvement since the 2021 survey, U.S. physicians remain at higher risk for burnout relative to other U.S. workers.

Mental Health Workforce Shortages Affect Access to Care
Indiana's mental health system faces substantial workforce shortages, impacting both providers and patients. As of 2024, all 92 counties in Indiana have been federally designated as areas with mental health workforce shortages. This shortage affects over 1 million adults in the state who have a mental health condition, with 345,000 adults not receiving the care they need.

Additionally, a 2023 report from Indiana University researchers estimated that 66% of Marion County residents who needed treatment for a serious mental illness did not receive it, equating to nearly 26,000 individuals. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by these gaps in care.

Initiatives Supporting Physician Well-Being
In response to these challenges, several Indiana healthcare organizations have implemented programs to support physician well-being. Community Health Network, based in Indianapolis, established the Center for Physician Well-Being and Professional Development in 2017 to address burnout and improve work-life balance. The center offers services such as peer coaching, counseling, and leadership development.

Parkview Health, based in Fort Wayne, offers various resources to help providers reduce burnout and improve their work-life balance. These include support dinners, social events, and access to nationally recognized speakers on topics like restoring joy in practice and home life. Michael Yurkanin, MD and Paul Conarty, MD are physician champions for the program. 

Expert Insights from Indiana
Kevin Coss, MD, former chief wellness officer at Community Health Network, developed a program with Ann Ostrom and Tricia Hern, MD, that emphasized the importance of leadership engagement in addressing physician burnout.  

"Supporting physician well-being involves comprehensive organizational, cultural, and systemic change," he notes. "Our model was built on the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Model by adding a physician leadership development component, in addition to domains like exceptional practice experience, wellness culture, and personal resilience."

Dr. Coss says the model has shifted to incorporate other healthcare professionals who are often led by physicians. The key component for physicians is the leadership training because they are often in leadership roles but have no prior training to help them be effective.
 
Noah Kersey, MD, is now heading the program and focuses on helping to streamline office processes with technology while physicians are in leadership roles. He will be presenting his research at the American Conference on Physicians Health conference in September.
 
Moving Forward
Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a reminder that the well-being of physicians is integral to the health of the communities they serve. Addressing burnout and mental health challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including systemic changes, increased access to care, and a cultural shift that reduces stigma around seeking help.

Resources are available for Indiana physicians. The ISMA's Physician Assistance Program offers free and confidential consultations for physicians experiencing difficulties in their personal or professional lives. Additionally, the Physician Support Line provides confidential support from volunteer psychiatrists and can be reached at 1-888-409-0141.