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Nearly half of young doctors in Murcia face severe burnout amid heavy workloads
New study reveals exhaustion, sleep loss, substance use, and calls for urgent reform to protect healthcare professionals and patient safety
43% of young doctors in the Region of Murcia say they feel completely burned out, facing emotional exhaustion, disrupted personal lives, and struggling to keep up with relentless demands, according to the latest Ikerburn study presented in the Spanish Senate. While this figure is slightly below the national average of 51%, it highlights a deep crisis across Spain’s healthcare system.The study reveals harsh realities for these young medical professionals: 79% suffer emotional exhaustion, 84% show signs of detachment from their work, and 63% feel a loss of personal achievement. The conditions are made worse by gruelling 24-hour shifts, with 44% not getting rest after Saturday calls. Sleep problems plague two-thirds, and a worrying 38% admit to relying on medications or alcohol to cope.
“Burnout is not just an individual issue. It threatens patient safety, medical quality, and the future of healthcare,” states Domingo Sánchez, the study’s presenter and the national representative for Young Doctors at the Spanish Medical Association (OMC).
Women are 24% more likely to suffer higher burnout rates, especially in surgical and hospital roles. Over half the doctors have precarious contracts, sometimes with as little as 48 hours secured, and compensation remains far below European standards, according to Tomás Cobo, OMC’s president.
These findings come amid warnings from the World Health Organization’s Tomás Zapata that Europe faces a shortage of healthcare staff despite record numbers of professionals, due to rising patient demand and poor working conditions.
The study calls urgently for structural reforms to ease workloads, improve contract stability, and prioritise mental health care for healthcare workers. As Sánchez stresses, “Addressing young doctors’ mental health is essential - not a luxury.” Without change, Spain risks losing valuable medical talent and compromising patient care.
This stark picture invites reflection on the true costs faced by those who care for us, and underlines the pressing need for comprehensive support within the health system.
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Image: Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels
