Being an anaesthetist is an incredibly fulfilling profession—one that plays a vital role in saving lives every day. But with that sense of purpose comes demanding hours, years of rigorous study, the ongoing pressure of CPD requirements, mental fatigue, and the very real risk of burnout.
Burnout in anaesthetists is real. While public hospital systems are increasingly aware of this issue, anaesthetists in private practice are often left to cope alone. Juggling clinical work with business management and unpredictable income adds extra layers of stress.
Left unaddressed, burnout can impact your mental health, professional performance, and even patient safety.
Common Burnout Triggers in Private Anaesthesia
- Business overload: Managing billing, admin, and BAS in addition to clinical care.
- Unpredictable income: Payment delays, billing disputes, and irregular caseloads – especially with anaesthetists new to private practice.
- Work-life imbalance: Long hours, working overnight and on-call shifts with little recovery time.
- Isolation: Limited peer interaction compared to hospital-based teams.
How to Prevent or Reverse Burnout in Anaesthetists
1. Outsource and Delegate
Take administrative load off your shoulders. Partnering with a billing company that understands anaesthesia can help you reclaim your time and peace of mind. Solo Practice Management is an Australian based organisation with a local billing experts team that can assist you throughout every stage of your career in private practice.
You can focus on your clinical work and enjoying your time off, rejuvenating and spending time with loved ones whilst Solo takes care of all your billing and admin work.
2. Strengthen Peer Connections
Join professional groups like the Australian Society of Anaesthetists or informal peer circles. Talking to colleagues normalises the stress and offers valuable coping strategies. Joining CPD groups for things such as M and M and journal clubs is a great way to stay grounded with colleagues while also notching up a few extra points. Ask your peers if there’s any local chat groups that you might be able to join for some extra support.
3. Prioritise Self-Care
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make time for exercise, holidays, hobbies, or simply rest. By outsourcing your billing and admin, you will be able to book in that tee time and focus on the things that bring you joy.
4. Automate Admin
Make technology work for you. Use digital systems to manage tasks like your billing and administration by outsourcing.
You can use apps like Listcover to increase your work opportunities and gain valuable connections in private practice. Listcover is a great way to get more lists, meet surgeons and also get your lists covered if something comes up – which it inevitably will!!
You are not alone – help is available
At Solo Practice Management, we work exclusively with anaesthetists in private practice. We understand the demands of your profession and the toll it can take. Our billing solutions are designed to relieve stress—not add to it.
Let us handle the numbers so you can focus on what you do best. Contact our friendly team here for more info.
Disclaimer
If you are feeling the effects of burnout and it is having negative toll on your wellbeing, please seek professional medical advice or visit a list of support options here.