Back to 2026 Abstracts
Workload, Wellness, and Coverage Models Among Burn Surgeons: A National Survey of American Burn Centers
Andrew B. Nguyen
*, Christopher Fedor, Mare Kaulakis, Kelson Huynh, Sarah Tepe, Jenny Ziembicki, Francesco Egro
School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
Burn surgery demands complex operative management and around-the-clock availability, overburdening a small, specialized workforce. As no national data exist characterizing burn surgeon workload, wellness, and coverage models across American burn centers, this study aimed to comprehensively assess these domains nationally. A cross-sectional survey was distributed to attending burn surgeons at all burn centers recognized by the American Burn Association. The survey assessed: (1) patient volume and workload sustainability, (2) adequacy of recovery time and schedule consistency, (3) physical and emotional wellness including emotional exhaustion and time pressure, (4) perceived sustainability of current practice, (5) impact of workload on provider care and fulfillment, (6) teleburn coverage, (7) night and weekend coverage models, and (8) resident rotation structure by level of training. 26 responses were received (34% response rate), of which 24 complete responses were analyzed. Regarding workload manageability, 29% of respondents reported managing an unsafe patient volume, 58% reported working beyond their scheduled hours, and 33% reported insufficient recovery time between clinical responsibilities. Notably, 38% identified staffing and provider coverage as inadequate for clinical demand. Markers of surgeon wellness were substantial: 42% of respondents reported emotional exhaustion, 50% reported physical health consequences, and 29% felt that workload compromised their ability to deliver quality care. Notably, 42% considered their current workload unsustainable and 33% indicated they would seriously consider reducing clinical time or leaving burn practice within the next two years. Burn surgeons report substantial workload burden, inadequate staffing, and professional burnout, with many considering leaving burn practice entirely. These findings highlight a critical threat to burn surgeon retention, workforce sustainability, and quality of patient care. Standardized staffing benchmarks and wellness initiatives are warranted to preserve the burn surgery workforce.
Back to 2026 Abstracts
