Volunteering – a Potential Cure for Burnout
“I can’t believe how innovative and dedicated these young neurosurgeons are despite having little to no access to the equipment and supplies they need to perform these surgeries.”
“I came here to teach them how to perform these procedures, but they taught me what it truly means to be a doctor by giving the best care they can with little to no resources.”
These were some of the comments made by a team of American neurovascular physicians I accompanied to Paraguay over the past 2 weeks. They volunteered their time to teach and operate alongside their Paraguayan colleagues. Neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, and interventional radiologists took time away from their busy practices to teach and work for free. Their motivation was to share their expertise with physicians in a low to middle income country and improve the quality of care available to their patients. What they didn’t realize was that they would come away inspired and transformed by the experience.
At a time when the majority of physicians in the U.S. are suffering from some form of burnout, moral injury, and mental distress, these physicians returned from the trip rejuvenated with a renewed sense of purpose in their careers. They were now part of a world-wide educational exchange of knowledge and skills that would transform stroke care and treatment of other neurovascular lesions.
It may seem counterintuitive but, for many physicians, nurses, and other health professionals, volunteering either internationally or locally is a way to mitigate burnout and the bureaucratic frustrations they experience in their practices. It also connects them to a greater purpose which can sustain them throughout their careers. I’ve experienced this firsthand starting with a month-long elective in residency 35 years ago and continuing throughout my life working as a volunteer in countries all over the world.
I know many of us are already swamped and need any extra time we have to rest and be present to our families. But, for those of you who feel inspired, I suggest adding volunteering to your list of self-care practices. Whether you help coach or tutor young people in your local area or take a trip abroad with a volunteer medical organization, seek out opportunities to engage in activities that truly inspire you and bring you life. It will make a major impact on your wellbeing and contribute to a greater good.
Many medical specialty organizations have resources for volunteer opportunities. In addition, here are 3 organizations I have worked with that I highly recommend to others.
Health Volunteers Overseas - Opportunities for all health professionals to work all over the world in teaching capacities. https://hvousa.org/
Solidarity Bridge - Opportunities for all health professionals to go on short-term (1-2 week) trips to Bolivia and Paraguay. https://www.solidaritybridge.org/
Healing the Children - Domestic and international opportunities for all health professionals. https://www.healingthechildren.org/