Newsletters

POSTED: June 17th, 2025
POSTED IN: EM Pulse - The Official Newsletter of MOCEP, EM Pulse Q2 2025,

Written by:

Jennifer A. Cooper-Lewis (Cooper), DO

Being an Emergency Medicine physician is one of the most rewarding careers in medicine. We are there for our patients no matter the time of day or the reason for their visit. However, the rates of burnout and stress in the emergency department are among the highest in our field. Managing work-life balance can help us prolong our careers.

Work-life balance looks different for everyone and varies at different stages in our careers and personal lives. Once you have family obligations—whether it be a significant other, children, or other family members who need you—your life outside of work changes. There is not always a true “balance” during certain seasons of our lives, and it is important to give ourselves grace. The medical field has created a culture of perfectionism and unrealistic expectations. The personality types that choose to dedicate their lives to medicine often struggle with feeling that they are “enough.” The system we practice in currently won’t be fixed anytime soon; however, we can find ways to enjoy life both at work and at home.

It can be difficult to stay socially engaged outside of work. Most emergency departments require time-off requests to be submitted four months in advance, making it hard to participate in activities with set schedules—such as choir practice that requires a commitment every Tuesday evening. It can feel isolating when you are unable to attend events with family and friends. However, building friendships outside of work is crucial. Hobbies and interests beyond medicine can help reduce stress levels. According to Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski, we need 42% of our day for sleep and restorative activities, such as hobbies and spending time with family and friends. Fortunately, Emergency Medicine affords us the flexibility to change our environment. EM physicians can go part-time, moonlight at multiple locations, change jobs, or take a step back to pursue side gigs. We must build a life that is not entirely centered around work and actively incorporate activities outside of the emergency department.

It is also important to establish boundaries and protect our time off. It is okay to say no, and we must learn to do so. We cannot be everything to everyone all the time. Since we work all hours of the day, it is important to prioritize sleep when we are not on shift. Invest in blackout curtains, noise-canceling headphones, or any other aids to ensure uninterrupted sleep. Communicate your schedule with family and friends in advance so they know not to disturb you, or simply place your phone on silent mode. Avoid scheduling events or meetings in the middle of the day between night shifts. Try to group night shifts together to minimize sleep disruptions as much as possible. Create a network of friends and family who can help with childcare or household chores so that your time off is freed up for activities you enjoy. Delegate tasks whenever possible—hire a housekeeper, use a laundry service, or find a trusted dog walker. Freeing up your time will help reduce stress and allow you to focus on what brings you joy outside of work.

Physicians must also learn how to cope with the trauma and stress we encounter on most shifts. We are not taught adaptive skills to maintain our humanity in this job. Many coaches and therapists are available to help develop resilience. Finding a peer mentor can also provide EM physicians with someone to discuss stressful events with. It is helpful to have the support of colleagues who understand the intricacies of the emergency department.

There are many resources available to help you improve your work-life balance. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has a wellness committee that has compiled strategies to enhance your time away from shifts. Additionally, numerous podcasts and programs, such as The Whole Physician, offer courses and resources to support well-being. Burnout happens gradually, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle outside of the emergency department can help prevent it, allowing for a long and fulfilling career.