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Dr. Layla Van Doren

Burnout in Sickle Cell Physicians Linked to Systemic Barriers

Publication Title: Burnout in Sickle Cell Disease-Focused Hematology-Oncology Trained Physicians: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Summary

Question
This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of burnout among hematology-oncology physicians who specialize in sickle cell disease (SCD). The researchers sought to compare burnout rates between SCD-focused and non-SCD-focused physicians and identify factors contributing to this difference, such as resilience, grit, and workplace characteristics.
Why it Matters
Burnout among physicians can lead to increased medical errors, decreased productivity, and workforce attrition, negatively impacting patient care and healthcare systems. SCD physicians face unique challenges due to the complexity and high-acuity nature of managing SCD, a chronic blood disorder causing significant morbidity and early mortality. Understanding burnout in this group is essential to improving their well-being and sustaining specialized care for patients with SCD.
Methods
The researchers conducted a cross-sectional, nationwide survey of 159 hematology-oncology physicians in the United States, including 55 SCD-focused and 104 non-SCD-focused respondents. Participants answered questions about burnout, grit (defined as perseverance toward long-term goals), resilience (the ability to recover from stress), and career characteristics. Statistical analyses were performed to identify differences between the two groups and assess factors associated with burnout.
Key Findings
Burnout was more prevalent among SCD-focused physicians (60%) compared to non-SCD-focused physicians (44%). Despite similar levels of grit and resilience between groups, SCD physicians reported lower recreational activity (45% vs 59% engaging in recreation ≥2 times per week) and less pride in their work (47% vs 65% strongly agreeing they felt pride). SCD-focused physicians were also more likely to work in academic settings, earn lower incomes, and take on leadership roles.
Implications
The findings suggest that systemic factors, such as reduced recreation time and lower job pride, contribute to burnout among SCD-focused physicians. Addressing these issues through better institutional support, adequate staffing, and resources for SCD programs could improve physician well-being and retention. This is critical for maintaining care for SCD patients, a population with significant medical and social needs.
Next Steps
The authors recommend further research to explore the structural and systemic challenges faced by SCD physicians, such as funding gaps and program infrastructure. Future studies should also assess interventions aimed at improving job satisfaction, recreation opportunities, and institutional support for this workforce.
Funding Information
This research was supported by The Forget Scholar Award, granted by the Yale Cancer Center. Yale University also provided funding and support for this research.

Full Citation

Restrepo V, Marshall A, Feder K, Afranie-Sakyi J, Carrithers B, Jones-Wonni B, Mensah C, Zhou B, Mistry R, McGann P, Azar S, De Castro L, Calhoun C, Bozang K, Brown T, Lee A, Van Doren L. Burnout in Sickle Cell Disease-Focused Hematology-Oncology Trained Physicians: A National Cross-Sectional Study. Blood Advances 2026 PMID: 41817318, DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2025018338.

Authors

  • Valentina Restrepo

    First Author
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  • Layla Van Doren

    Last Author
    School Building Streamline Icon: https://streamlinehq.comOther Institution

Yale School of Medicine Authors

Other Authors

  • Ariela L Marshall;
  • Katherine Feder;
  • Jennifer Afranie-Sakyi;
  • Bria Carrithers;
  • Boubini Jones-Wonni;
  • Cheryl Mensah;
  • Ronak H Mistry;
  • Patrick T McGann;
  • Sharl Azar;
  • Laura M De Castro;
  • Kathleen M Bozang;
  • Tatum Brown

Research Themes

Concepts