In a study published online on December 1, 2021 in Hospital Pediatrics, Einstein-Montefiore researchers led by Audrey Uong, M.D., M.S., examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on burnout among faculty in the Einstein-Montefiore department of pediatrics in the Bronx. The focus of the study was the spring 2020 surge, when the Bronx was the epicenter of the global pandemic. Based on survey responses taken before, during, and after the surge, the pandemic did not increase burnout levels—possibly due to strategies employed by the Einstein-Montefiore pediatrics department to support faculty during this period.

The results during the survey period showed a consistent rate of burnout of between 20 and 26%, which is well below the national reported burnout rate for 2020 of 42%. The authors note that burnout may not occur until a year or more after a crisis, so institutions must remain vigilant in supporting and assessing the emotional wellbeing of their providers.

Dr. Uong is assistant professor of pediatrics at Einstein and a pediatrician at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.