Burnout and psychological stress among deans of colleges of medicine: a national study.

Psychological burnout may inhibit the ability of deans of colleges of medicine to effectively lead their organizations during periods of rapid change. The objective of this study was measure the prevalence and intensity of the psychological components of burnout and their correlates among deans of U.S. colleges of medicine. To do so, questionnaires that burnout, job stressors, personal support systems and job satisfaction were sent to deans of all U.S. colleges of medicine, and selected deans of nursing schools, and other academic health center leaders. Medical school deans exhibited a high prevalence of depersonalization (42.9% of respondents), emotional exhaustion (25.4%), and reduced personal accomplishment (27.0%). High levels of these subdomains and of overall burnout intensity significantly correlated with high levels of personal, job, and environmental stress; low levels of support or coping resources; high prevalence of physical and behavioral symptoms; and reduced job satisfaction. Deans of colleges of medicine frequently exhibit characteristics of burnout that may impede effective leadership. These characteristics are likely to intensify unless specific interventions are devised and implemented.