Traumatized attendings-When the doctor has the disease

Background: This study aims to compare PTSD prevalence between seven medical specialties and to identify potential risk factors for PTSD. Methods: A cross-sectional national survey of attending physicians (n = 2216) was conducted and screened for PTSD using the Primary Care PTSD Screen. Stepwise multivariable regression analysis with backward elimination identified potential risk factors. Results: Overall prevalence of PTSD was 14% and ranged from 7% to 18% for psychiatrists and OBGYNs, respectively (p = 0.004). Six potential risk factors for PTSD included: emotional exhaustion, job dissatisfaction, lack of autonomy, working >60 h per week, poor camaraderie, and female gender (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of PTSD in attending physicians is more than double that of the general population. Higher risk specialties include OBGYN and general surgery. Specialty-specific interventions targeted at reducing physician burnout and improving the physician work-environment are needed to improve physician wellness and reduce PTSD. (c) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.