Finding Work-Life Balance
A career in gynecologic oncology can be rewarding, however, it is universally strenuous and demanding. Caring for people with gynecologic cancers (and complex gynecologic problems) requires a significant and continuous commitment from providers—this can lead to burnout.
This page represents an effort of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) Wellness Committee to shed light on the high rate of burnout in gynecologic oncology as a specialty, promote discussion, and provide resources and potential solutions. The SGO Wellness Committee was formed in response to a membership survey which established a high prevalence of physician burnout in gynecologic oncologists, affecting over 30% of respondents. Understanding the importance of physician wellness, this committee was assembled to address the following mission and goals.
SGO’s 2020 State of the Society Survey provides detailed information on wellness as it relates specifically to the subspecialty of gynecologic oncology, in addition to demographics, practice characteristics, activities, professional liability and revenues.
SGO members who are interested in writing a first-person column for the “Voices” wellness blog in the SGO Issues newsletter can contact Wellness Committee staff liaison Katie Martino.
SGO’s Wellness Curriculum
The SGO Wellness Committee has developed a 10-module curriculum with topics based on established wellness concepts as well as specialty-specific stressors such as end of life discussions. Modules include guided discussion, multimedia presentations, and/or journaling, as well as take-home concepts and exercises to combat burnout.