Abstract

In this issue of the Southern Medical Journal, Dr George Ford’s editorial is a compelling consideration of the very real potential for physician burnout in this challenging time of healthcare delivery.¹ Indeed, Dr Ford indicates that physician burnout may not be severe enough to cause a physician to leave the practice of medicine but may reduce the effectiveness and overall positive energy a physician may have on a daily basis. I agree with Dr Ford that medicine is a “calling,” much like the ministry. For those of us who believe in a calling, there is considerable emotional and moral obligation to care for patients as long as possible and to the best of our abilities, the latter requiring a dedication to lifelong learning and quality improvement. These deontological commitments tend to create a “never give up” attitude, which may be a real component of physician burnout. Dr Ford is dedicating a good part of his current career to spreading the message about burnout to the healthcare profession and helping those who seek assistance in addressing this issue.