LAUSR

Overview Burnout has become a major concern in health care. Multiple surveys have documented the alarming percentage of physicians experiencing the symptoms and signs of burnout. The consequences of burnout have been well described, and include increased medical errors, unprofessionalconduct,reducedpatientsatisfaction,stress-related health problems, drug addiction, depression, suicidal ideation, and marital and family discord.1 An extensive literature describes potential solutions, including meditation and mindfulness, stress and resiliency training, small discussion groups, coaching, time management, exercise, and reduced work shifts.1 In our view, these approaches do not adequately address a primary contributor to burnout. We believe that resilience research2 offers a neurocognitive construct that provides a more comprehensive view of a major underlying factor that can lead to burnout, as well as a more scientifically informed approach to prevention. The degree of control that an animal or human can exert over a stressor has a substantial impact on the emotional, behavioral, neurobiological, and physiological effects of that stressor.3