Study: Healthcare Practitioners Leaving Medicine Due to COVID

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Study: Healthcare Practitioners Leaving Medicine Due to COVID

Dec 16, 2021, 08:16 AM by MSDC staff

Not surprisingly, COVID is driving burnout and a healthcare worker shortage.

In a widely shared article from Science Direct, researchers show that the COVID pandemic is driving healthcare workers away from medicine in large numbers.

The study was supported by the American Medical Association. Between July 1 and December 31, 2020, over 20,000 healthcare workers from 124 institutions answered a survey gauging fear of COVID infection, burnout, and intention to reduce hours or leave their job. Burnout was assessed using the Mini Z single-item burnout measure.

The results showed that 1 in 3 healthcare workers (physicians, APPs, and nurses) intend to reduce their work hours. One in five physicians intend to leave their practice altogether. This is not surprising considering one in four physician respondents reported anxiety or depression, with nearly 50% reporting feeling burned out. The numbers were even higher for nurses, with 40% reporting they were moderately, likely, or definitely leaving their job in the next two years.

See the survey here.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.