Medical student burnout is a significant problem, which has led to the introduction of institutional intervention initiatives to combat the phenomenon. However, the incidence of burnout among podiatric medical students has not been previously assessed. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine the perceptions of burnout, anxiety, depression, and personal achievement among podiatric medical students. A 50-question anonymous survey containing the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was distributed to all students of eight US podiatric medical schools. Demographic and personal information regarding the student’s free time, study time, family support, class or exam failures, loan debt, and previous work experience were recorded. Four hundred and eighty students completed the survey, and 479 responses were eligible for inclusion (response rate of 22.2%). Overall, 65.1% reported moderate or high self-perceived rates of burnout, a rate comparable to allopathic and osteopathic medical students. Respondents also reported high levels of emotional exhaustion and anxiety, but low levels of personal achievement. A predisposition for burnout was identified for third-year students between the ages of 26 to 35 years with borderline or abnormal levels of reported anxiety. The present study contributes to the growing body of literature regarding burnout with respect to the podiatric profession. Despite inherent limitations, the findings suggest institutional interventions for the promotion and development of protective factors may be warranted.
Copyright © 2021 the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Author