Burnout in Oncology: Beyond Workload

Burnout in oncology is important because it is not only about clinicians feeling exhausted. It can affect professional satisfaction, workforce retention, and ultimately the quality of patient care. Oncology is a uniquely demanding field, shaped by high emotional intensity, constant scientific progress, and major clinical responsibility. For this reason, understanding the drivers of burnout among oncology professionals is highly relevant for the future of cancer care.

This study found that burnout was common among oncology professionals and was closely linked with two psychological factors: imposter syndrome and maladaptive perfectionism. In other words, burnout appeared to be associated not only with external pressures such as workload, but also with internal experiences such as self-doubt and the persistent feeling of not being good enough despite hard work and achievement. One of the most important findings was that maladaptive perfectionism is not the same as simply having high standards. High standards alone may not be harmful, but the distress of feeling that one constantly falls short of those standards was strongly related to burnout.

The study also suggested that younger and early-career oncology professionals may be especially vulnerable, whereas factors such as seniority, parenthood, and mental health training may have a protective role. Overall, these findings support the idea that burnout in oncology should be addressed through both structural and psychological approaches. It may not be enough to encourage individuals to be more resilient; supportive work environments and targeted strategies addressing imposter feelings and maladaptive self-criticism are also needed.