Work

Health provider burnout and retention in military health service

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose The Military Health System has over 700 facilities across the world serving 9.6 million beneficiaries. Burnout negatively impacts the wellbeing of military physicians, potentially influencing both their practice of healthcare and retention in the military. This study explores the underlying mechanisms that drive military physician burnout and intended retention. Methods In 2023, researchers surveyed graduates from a military medical program and their contacts, using closed and open-ended questions. Researchers measured burnout using the mini-Z burnout scale, categorizing symptoms such as definite burnout, burnout symptoms that won’t go away, or feeling completely burned out. Applying logistic regression and marginal probability techniques, the researchers explored the relationship between burnout and retention (thinking of quitting job as a health provider, leaving the military after term of service and leaving before retirement). The researchers conducted a thematic analysis of open-ended data. Results More providers who were burned out (73%) than those who were not burned out (42%) expressed thoughts about leaving current job as a health provider. More providers who were burned out (72%) compared to colleagues were not burned out (41%) expressed that they were unlikely to remain in the military after term of service. Open-ended response data suggests that work environment largely motivated military health professionals their intention to leave their profession followed by infrastructure issues, compensation issues, and leadership concerns. Conclusion Policies should address military health professionals' well-being by improving work-life balance, creating supportive work environments, addressing technological concerns, and making larger bureaucratic efforts to achieve compensation parity.

Source: BMC Health Services Research

DOI: 10.1186/s12913-026-15387-0