Abstract Details

Title Burnout Among U.S. Epilepsy Physicians: A National Survey of Prevalence and Predictors

Topic Epilepsy/Clinical Neurophysiology (EEG)

Presentation(s) P11 - Poster Session 11 (11:45 AM-12:45 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 11-006

Objective To assess the prevalence, severity, and contributing factors of burnout among U.S. epilepsy physicians and identify protective workplace characteristics.

Background Physician burnout is a major public health issue with substantial implications for patient safety, quality of care, and healthcare costs. No studies specifically examined burnout within epilepsy subspecialty.

Design/Methods We conducted a survey of U.S. epilepsy physicians between October 2024 and February 2025. The 45-item instrument included the validated Mini-Z 2.0 scale to assess burnout severity, alongside questions on demographics, practice environment, and job satisfaction. Burnout and severe burnout were defined per Mini-Z criteria. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify associated factors.

Results Among 186 respondents, 176 complete responses were included in analysis. Burnout was reported by 96 (54.0%) and severe burnout by 35 (20.5%) participants; 136 of 154 (88%) agreed that burnout is a problem within the subspecialty. Physicians with burnout were more likely to indicate that they would not choose medicine (p<0.001) or epilepsy (p=0.002) again, and to plan leaving their current position or medicine altogether (p=0.016 for burnout; p=0.001 for severe burnout). In multivariable analysis, higher Mini-Z subscale 1 scores (p<0.001), adequate support staff (p=0.002), fellow coverage (p=0.010), and male gender (p=0.001) were protective against burnout. Each additional EMU admission per month increased the odds of burnout by 17% (p=0.056). Predictors of lower severe burnout included higher Mini-Z subscale 1 (p<0.001) and 2 (p=0.015) scores, presence of an advanced practice provider in clinic (p=0.022), practice outside the Midwest (p=0.012–0.034), and male gender (p=0.041).

Conclusions This is the first national study characterizing burnout among U.S. epilepsy physicians. Burnout is highly prevalent and associated with inadequate institutional support, chaotic work environments, and EMR frustration. Women and physicians in the Midwest appear at higher risk. These findings highlight the need for targeted organizational interventions to preserve clinician well-being and workforce sustainability.

Authors/Disclosures
Alina Ivaniuk, MD PRESENTER	Dr. Ivaniuk has nothing to disclose.
Hiba A. Haider, MD	Dr. Haider has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Haider has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care.
Cormac A. O'Donovan, MD (Wake Forest University)	Dr. O'Donovan has nothing to disclose.
William O. Tatum IV, DO, FAAN (Mayo Clinic)	Dr. Tatum has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Bioserenity. Dr. Tatum has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Natus. Dr. Tatum has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as a Consultant for Neurelis. Dr. Tatum has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Editor, Associate Editor, or Editorial Advisory Board Member for Elsevier. Dr. Tatum has received personal compensation in the range of $500-$4,999 for serving as an Expert Witness for Defense Law Firm on behalf of a patient with epilepsy with funds donated to the Epilepsy Foundation of America. The institution of Dr. Tatum has received research support from Esai. The institution of Dr. Tatum has received research support from Mayo Clinic. The institution of Dr. Tatum has received research support from Liva Nova. The institution of Dr. Tatum has received research support from Engage Pharmaceuticals. The institution of Dr. Tatum has received research support from Xenon. Dr. Tatum has received intellectual property interests from a discovery or technology relating to health care. Dr. Tatum has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Tatum has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Tatum has received publishing royalties from a publication relating to health care. Dr. Tatum has a non-compensated relationship as a AAN Section Chair of Clinical Neurophysiology with AAN that is relevant to AAN interests or activities.
Brin Freund, MD	Dr. Freund has received personal compensation in the range of $5,000-$9,999 for serving on a Scientific Advisory or Data Safety Monitoring board for UCB. Dr. Freund has received research support from Mayo Clinic.

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