Medicus is proud to join in celebrating World Anesthesia Day on October 16th. Celebrated annually, this day commemorates the birth of anesthesia. On this day in 1846, anesthesia was administered to a patient at Massachusetts General Hospital, transforming surgery forever.
Hosted by the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists, this day recognizes and celebrates the advancements in anesthesia and the impact anesthesiologists and CRNAs have on patient care. This year, the theme for the celebration is centered around 'The Importance of Prioritizing the Well-Being of the Anesthesia Workforce,' shining a light on the importance of mental health and well-being among the anesthesiology workforce.
Increasing Burnout Rates Among Anesthesiologists & CRNAs
Ensuring the well-being of anesthesiologists and CRNAs is more important than ever. Long hours, high stress, and the critical nature of anesthesiology contribute to increasing burnout rates, which affect providers, patients, and healthcare systems. Protecting the mental and physical health of these professionals is essential to maintaining high-quality patient care and anesthesia staffing stability.
Did You Know?
- Projections indicated a shortage of up to 6,300 anesthesiologists by 2036.
- In 2024, 50% of anesthesiologists reported being either burned out or both burnt and depressed.
- In 2024, 56% of CRNAs reported that they felt very or somewhat burnt out.
- Over the next decade, there will be a 2-3% increase in the demand for surgical services.
As the demand for anesthesia services continues to outpace the supply of anesthesia providers, supporting the well-being of anesthesia providers is critical for reducing burnout and improving retention rates.
Prioritizing the Well-Being of Anesthesia Providers
Develop a Cohesive & Flexible Staffing Model: Creating a more cohesive and flexible staffing model can support the well-being of anesthesia providers. Offering flexible scheduling and adequate time off allows providers to recharge, which can lead to improved well-being and better retention. Even minor adjustments, such as rotating shifts or reducing consecutive long hours, can have a positive impact on maintaining a healthy workforce.
Offer Mental Health Support: Providing access to mental health support, such as counseling services, stress management resources, or peer support programs, can help anesthesia providers navigate the pressures of their roles. Regular check-ins with staff, even in informal settings, allow leaders to stay attuned to their team's challenges, addressing concerns before they escalate into larger issues.
Implement Locum Tenens into Staffing Strategies: As provider shortages persist and patient volumes rise, using locum tenens providers can help distribute workloads more efficiently. Locum tenens anesthesiologists and CRNAs offer relief to permanent staff, reducing the risk of burnout. Locum tenens also enable healthcare leaders to prioritize permanent staff schedules and provide necessary time off, all while ensuring continuous patient care. Partnering with a trusted locum tenens agency like Medicus ensures healthcare facilities can quickly secure high-quality locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners to bridge critical coverage gaps. Whether through traditional locum tenens staffing or through the Medicus Transition Program, tailored for specialties facing multiple FTE gaps, Medicus provides the locum tenens staffing solutions needed to maintain continuity of care, support provider well-being, and enhance retention.
By considering these strategies, healthcare leaders can take practical steps to support the well-being of their anesthesia teams. To learn more about resources for prioritizing the well-being of anesthesiology providers, click here.
Thank You, Anesthesiologists & CRNAs!
At Medicus, we are honored to work alongside a network of exceptional locum tenens anesthesiologists and CRNAs who dedicate themselves to providing high-quality care across the nation. Your expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to patient care make a profound impact every day.
As we celebrate World Anesthesia Day, we want to express our sincere gratitude to all anesthesia providers. We encourage everyone to stay engaged in the conversation surrounding anesthesia care and workforce well-being by connecting on social media with the hashtags #WAD2024, #WorldAnesthesiaDay, and #WellAnesthesia.
Interested in working locum tenens anesthesiology? Complete the short form below to connect with a Medicus recruiter.
