Negotiating the Slippery Slope of Work Stress and Burnout
Among healthcare professionals, levels of stress and burnout (an extreme response to stress) rank among the highest of all professions. Experiencing high stress levels for an extended period of time often culminates in emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and diminished professional efficacy, which are synonymous with burnout, anxiety and depression. The prevalence of stress among the general working population is approximately 18%, while a South African study noted that among doctors it is approximately 28% and as high as 84% among registrars.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5, 2025
