Burnout, Well-being, and Distress Among Orthopaedic Surgeons in Puerto Rico

Authors

  • Gabriel González-Díaz Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Ponce, PR, USA Author
  • Emil Varas-Rodríguez Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Ponce, PR, USA; Mayo Clinic, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rochester, MN, USA Author
  • Joshua Vivas Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Ponce, PR, USA Author
  • Francis Cedeño University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, USA Author
  • Gerardo E. Rodríguez-Matias Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Ponce, PR, USA Author
  • Jerry Cruz Universidad Central del Caribe, School of Medicine, Bayamón, PR, USA Author
  • Hans Hess University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, San Juan, PR, USA Author
  • Oscar Duyos Ponce Health Sciences University, School of Medicine, Ponce, PR, USA Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71332/79h63q52

Keywords:

burnout, emotional exhaustion, puerto rico, healthcare system, resilience, orthopaedic surgeons

Abstract

Physician burnout is a global concern, yet its prevalence among Puerto Rico’s surgeons remains underexplored. This study assesses burnout among orthopaedic surgeons working within the island’s strained healthcare system, marked by economic disparities, privatization, and physician exodus. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 67 orthopaedic surgeons (over 60% of the island's workforce) and 27 romantic partners. The survey included the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, General Health Questionnaire 12, and the Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale. Burnout was identified in 28.4% of surgeons, with 58.2% reporting high emotional exhaustion and 37.3% high depersonalization. No respondents exhibited low personal accomplishment. The most frequently cited stressor was Puerto Rico's healthcare system, particularly health insurance restrictions (66.7%). Additionally, 25.4% of surgeons showed signs of mental health concerns, and 22.0% experienced relationship distress. While emotional exhaustion and depersonalization present as alarmingly high, resilience in personal accomplishment was notable. Interventions are needed to address systemic stressors while leveraging cultural factors that protect against burnout. 

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2025-07-14

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Ponce Health Sciences University Scientific Journal - First Issue

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