![Burned Out, Addicted to Drugs, and Self-Medicated: America’s Doctors Face a Crisis](https://img.theepochtimes.com/assets/uploads/2023/02/22/Shutterstock_2120376776-700x420.jpg)
The
United States is grappling with the pervasive issue of addiction. Anesthesiologists Several factors contribute to the high prevalence of drug abuse among anesthesiologists, including their proximity to highly addictive substances in the operating room, the ease of diverting these drugs for personal consumption, and the stressful work environment in which they operate. Surgeons ER Doctors Burnout on the Rise Money Goals Are a Factor Today, the authors of the TCF report wrote, most hospitals are owned by large national chains, a stark contrast to the 1980s when only 12 percent were. Around 70 percent of physicians are employed by these corporate entities, further exacerbating the challenges faced by health care professionals. Health care professionals now face greater pressure to meet financial targets and produce results. There is also a growing realization that corporate leaders may opt to replace physicians with other staff members to cut costs, according to TCF. Burnout often leads to physicians leaving the profession early, resulting in a significant care access issue. The shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) can result in a decrease in primary care visits and an increase in urgent care, emergency department, and specialty care visits. One way to achieve this is by mandating transparency and accountability from every health care institution to enhance health and equity and to clarify financial arrangements supporting health care organizations. This will aid in understanding the system dynamics that exacerbate these overarching issues.